The Aloha Center Ballroom was filled with local vendor shopping and flash photography on Dec. 7 as attendees took pictures with favorite holiday characters such as Santa Clause, Elsa and Anna of “Frozen.”
Viviana Huang, a sophomore in accounting from Taiwan, was the very first person in line to meet and have a picture taken with Santa. She said, “I’ve never seen Santa Claus before. I mean we have some back home, but Asian Santas are not the same.”
Huang said she did not purchase anything from the vendors, but she thought all of the products being sold were beautiful. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here tonight. I would definitely come again,” she continued.
The event was called “A Night of Savings” and there was a table with sign-up lists for different up and coming classes offered by the Education Outreach Program. These included classes for Photoshop, a computer basics class, piano lessons and more.
Jacob Nihipali, the event services and outreach manger for the Educational Outreach Program, said, “The event was an opportunity to provide a way to reach out to the community since they were already here for the lighting ceremony and performances.”
Naomi Nihipali, an alumna from Hauula volunteered at the table to help people sign up. She said, “I came because some asked me to help. This lighting ceremony is a tradition that has been going on for…at least 10 years.” She said she looks forward to it every year.
“My favorite thing about Christmas is the feeling. People are a lot more joyous and kind. The generosity experienced at Christmas is very special,” continued Naomi Nihipali.
Participants received free treat bags from Santa and his elves, and free crafts for children. There was also a free movie showing and popcorn with dining seating for customers at the Seasider Snack Bar.
Other forms of holiday entertainment were local vendors, a live stream of the BYU-Hawaii Christmas Lighting Program being held in the Cannon Activities Center and performances by Laie Elementary School students and teachers.
Jacob Nilipali said it turned well and enjoyed planning the event. “Christmas is time for families and to spend with people you love. It’s time to reflect, enjoy food, and the blessings of the Savior.”
Mikeila Aquino, a sophomore in elementary education from California, said she hadn’t heard or seen any invitations or advertisements for this event and wasn’t sure if it was being held for BYU-Hawaii students or for the community. “[But] I like what they did here tonight. It is really nice to see people so happy with their families celebrating Christmas together.”
Chris Chandroo, a junior in exercise science from California, said he came to the event specifically to see Santa Claus. “My favorite thing about Christmas is the togetherness and fun that comes with it.”
Writer: Leslie Owusu