It’s that time of year again. When snow clings to tree branches and squirrels look a little thicker around the midsection, it can only mean one thing — the holidays are here! With the holidays come tradition, and Skidmore has our fair share of holiday traditions. The first week of December, members of the campus community participated in two long-standing area traditions, each of which offered a new take on a beloved practice.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqgZBpoMnHs
On campus the SGA (Student Government Association) Traditions Committee hosted the 23rd lighting of the campus tree, in a ceremony that included music by Skidmore groups as well as something new: participation by Skidmore alumni. President Philip Glotzbach opened the event and the Rev. Rick Chrisman also offered remarks. Those attending were asked to contribute an ornament to the tree, which will be replanted in a new location at the end of the semester.
Rohini Alamgir ’12, chair of the Traditions Committee, and Anne Delauney, senior assistant director of Alumni Affairs & College Events, collaborated on including alumni this year. Delauney called it a great way for alumni and students to interact. Read more about the ceremony in The Skidmore News; and view the tree through December outside Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. 
Downtown Saratoga Springs has earned a deserved reputation for its annual Victorian Streetwalk, which this year marked its 25th anniversary. Sponsored by the Downtown Business Association, the event formally launches the holiday shopping season. Thousands of people annually attend to shop, of course, but also to see holiday displays and hear dozens of music groups that perform live throughout the evening.
Skidmore singers are always a big draw the silver anniversary Victorian Streetwalk featured performances by the Bandersnatchers, Dynamics, Accents, and Drastic Measures, all of whom contributed to the festive event with their lively interpretations of holiday music.
Happy holidays from the Skidmore family!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUfuW7vXsrs
