Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2015) – Students, faculty and staff welcomed the holiday season at the annual California Baptist University Christmas Party on the Front Lawn on Dec. 1

The event, organized by Associated Students of California Baptist University, drew hundreds of people. Guests who entered the Front Lawn area through a flurry of "snow" propelled by a fan were greeted with decorative lights and Christmas music.

CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis opened the evening with a reading of the Christmas story found in Luke 2, which tells about the birth of Jesus. Ellis then led the lighting of the Christmas tree on the front lawn.  

"The whole atmosphere was great. There was music playing, and the Christmas tree added to the holiday spirit," said Karis Mooney, a freshman business administration major.

The party featured Christmas-themed bounce houses, several holiday photo opportunity areas, a sledding hill and a cookie-decorating station. Attendees also could participate in a variety of contests such as an eggnog chug, a pie-eating contest and an ugly sweater competition.

Students enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and used the occasion to spend time with friends.

"My favorite thing was the community and walking around with some of my closest friends," said Shelby Frisby, a kinesiology freshman. "I loved everything from making cookies to the snow."

Sarah Hom, an undeclared freshman, enjoyed taking pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

"The event definitely captured the holiday spirit and was very fun," she said.