During the winter season, Dining Services holds three holiday meals to celebrate and unite the school community—the Feast of St. Nicholas, Holiday Dinner, and Hanukkah Dinner.
In preparation for each meal, the dining team asks students about their favorite holiday recipes, orders new ingredients, and decorates the Ford Food Court.
Mr. Mike Webster, director of dining services, said, “We try to emulate what students have at home during the holidays and buy different ingredients to make the recipes more authentic.”
The Feast of St. Nicholas was held on December 6. The celebration originated in Europe in the late 18th century and includes a meal with family, parades, and exchanging gifts. Legend says it began with well-to-do farmers who had a friend dress up as St. Nicholas and hand out sweets to poor children.
In 2018, a group of students in the German club reached out to Mr. Webster and proposed celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas. The German club helped develop the menu and promote the celebration of the holiday. Mr. Webster said, “Researching what dishes are eaten on this day, ordering the foods, and learning new recipes was really fun for the dining team.”
The Holiday Dinner is a long-standing tradition. In the past, community members were required to wear plus-one to attend. The meal was traditionally held before Lessons and Carols but will be held this year on December 12.
The FFC will be decorated with lights, a tree, and Christmas music; the meal will include carving stations and multiple desserts. “Seeing students experience the magic of the season is heartwarming,” said Mrs. Lisa Brown, chief of staff to the head of school, who helps the dining team organize this event.
Although the first night of Hanukkah will not occur until December 25, the annual dinner was held on December 11. This Jewish holiday celebrates the liberation and rededication of the Temple in the 2nd century BCE. Households light menorahs, play dreidel, and celebrate with family and friends. Traditional foods made with oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts, are served.
Starting in mid-November, DEI representatives, Hillel club members, and others worked together to plan, bring recipes to the dining team, and decorate the FFC. Ms. Carita Gardiner, faculty advisor of Hillel, said, “For me, Hanukkah is about cherishing one another and enjoying delicious food together. It’s the best part of any holiday, as far as I’m concerned.”
The annual holiday dinners allow community members to learn about each other’s traditions, celebrate their own, and enjoy delicious food.
