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Members of the St. Thomas community celebrated the beginning of Advent with the annual tree-lighting ceremony in the quad Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the cold weather, students, faculty and staff bundled up to hear music, scripture and, of course, see the lighting of the trees.

“I really enjoyed seeing the campus light up with all these trees,” freshman Brandon Miranda said. “It reminds me of how jolly you can actually be in the freezing weather.”

Junior Vang Khang said the blistering temperatures couldn’t stop her from taking part in the St. Thomas tradition.

“I haven’t missed one tree lighting since I’ve been here,” she said. “I thought about staying in because of the weather, but I’m definitely glad I came.”

Miranda said the lights bring the St. Thomas campus to life.

“The walkways are a little more lit up, and it really brings out the Christmas spirit,” he said.

Zach Pagano can be reached at Paga7147@stthomas.edu.