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Flags drape down in the entrance to Old Main as Christmas trees decorated in ornaments cover the first floor foyer by President Hencken´s office as part of "Christmas Around the World."

Students come together for holidays

By: Cassie Fifer/ Staff writer

Posted: 12/8/04

Community members, faculty and students will have the chance to enjoy Christmas early this year by attending "Christmas Around the World" tonight.

Four Christmas trees that have been decorated by area grade school students and Eastern's international program will be available to view. International treats and holiday music will also be offered at the event.

"I am very happy that President Hencken has chosen this year's theme because it is a great opportunity for our students to be highlighted and show their heritage," said Sue Songer, international student advisor.

This is the first year that international students have been invited to take part in this holiday activity, Songer said.

International students spent a day creating origami ornaments and rice paper chains to decorate the tree.

"It was a lot of fun making the ornaments," said Emi Arai, a sophomore psychology major. "At first everyone thought it was difficult, but they got the hang of it after a while."

Three of the four trees were decorated by students from Ashmore, Carl Sandburg, Jefferson, Mark Twain and Arland D. Williams elementary schools.

"We typically don't do holiday themes and we spent a whole week working on these, so it was really fun for the kids," said Dorothy Bennett, art teacher at Jefferson Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School created 12 different types of ornaments such as paper flowers from Brazil, stained glass from Italy, pine cones from America and Mexican ornaments.

"Christmas Around the World" will be tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. in the foyer of Old Main. The event will also take place Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.