As 2024 comes to an end, Caxys are busy trying to finish this year strong. Students are preparing for finals, but amidst all of the hard work, they’re also enjoying a variety of events designed to bring the community together and spread festive cheer. Heading into this time of the year, a variety of activities awaits.
Holiday Weekend Activities
The weekend before finals is full of events meant to help students control their stress and find happy times in between and during the hours of studying. Van runs to nearby cafés allow students to relax with a warm drink or snack and take in a change of scenery. Through a cooperative environment, on-campus open study sessions help students feel more ready and confident for their exams.
There are also fun choices for anyone wishing to enjoy the Christmas spirit and take a break from their screens. While open skating with Santa Claus is a fun and joyful way to relax with friends, trips to the Christkindlmarket let students browse festive stalls loaded with seasonal food and crafts. These events help students strike a balance between academic diligence and some much-needed leisure and festive cheer.
End-of-the-Year Treats
LFA is reintroducing two more cherished traditions during finals week: the Caxy Café and End-of-the-Year Treats. The Parents Association is once again hosting the End-of-the-Year Treats, which will provide students with a variety of snacks and sweets to help them re-energize and begin their final exams with boosted morale.
The Caxy Café, a student favorite, is also being revived. Courtesy of Dave Atas, Interim Director of Residential Life, Reid Hall is being transformed into a comfortable lounge by this initiative, providing students with a respite from the pressure of finals. Atas has announced that the Caxy Café this year will include “PS4s and a Nintendo Switch, allowing students to relax and enjoy themselves with their peers.” The Caxy Café provides a reprieve from rigorous study sessions, enabling students to recharge and form bonds with their peers thanks to its relaxed atmosphere.
Inside the Dorms
The dorms are also bustling with excitement as students prepare for the holidays. Atas is planning to bring a new tradition to LFA called” Home Sweet Study Hours,” which will provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere by inviting boarders to study at faculty houses during designated study hours. The purpose of the initiative is to establish a supportive environment in which students can focus on their finals, while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of faculty homes. This will include snacks and a sense of community.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
One final secret treat before finals is the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. Atas said, “I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so make sure to show up and see it for yourself! It will be happening from Thursday, December 5th, to Sunday, December 10th.”
LFA’s end-of-year events provide the ideal balance of entertainment and leisure that lets students decompress and rejuvenate before exams as the year comes to a close. These gatherings not only unite the community but also provide much-needed breaks during a busy period at the end of the first semester. LFA is sure to conclude 2024 on a high note, so commemorating the season and strengthening bonds will help create a memorable finale to an amazing year.