Christmas Traditions

Like any other ward, the Berkeley University ward has a long tradition of decking the halls and using other methods to bring yuletide cheer. Of course, the focus is on charity and giving, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun, too....

Sub-4-Santa
Perhaps the most notable of Berkeley Ward's Christmas traditions, this formal event is meticulously planned for by not only two co-chairs, but by everyone in the ward. Though the actual auction is often held on the week that binds November to December, the evening is preceeded by a month of donations, during which members of the Oakland stake are asked to offer up goods and services for sale in the auction. Smaller items (handmade jewelry, crafts, art, etc) are put on display for a silent auction, while the items with more "hype" (timeshares, lessons, autographed goods, etc) are reserved for the live auction. All attendees are treated to a lavish dinner, where dessert is purchased as a part of the silent auction. These, too, can become rather ornate (Croquembouches, yule logs, and cheesecakes abound) as donators vie for the honor of having created the most popular item.

One year (2009) this auction happened to be the same night as The Big Game with Cal ranked as the underdog. During the auction, various servers were spending any moment possible watching the game stream on a laptop set up in the kitchen and cheering loudly as Cal prevailed.



Christmas Party and Elf Dance
Coming Soon! (Muahuahua.)

For about a 4-year period, the ward had an unofficial ward christmas party organized by Marcus Donaldson which occurred at the Eggertsen home, with the tagline "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". When people would walk in the door, people would drop what they were doing and sing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". There would always be good food & drinks, and also some unique activities like facepainting, balloon animals, christmas pinata, etc. One year Mexican Santa (wearing a sarape and sombrero) visited and gave out Christmas candy; one year a pirate, ninja, and Mafia don came for whatever reason to the Christmas party.

After Marcus moved away to Siberia and the Eggertsens moved away as well, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was annexed by the ward, and the unofficial ward christmas party became the official ward christmas party. The first version was held at Bishop Harris's home and included a Christmas story reading by the bishop, and a family Christmas photo booth, complete with ugly sweaters.



Elf Dance: I think the first one was choreographed Emron Grover? I think Amy Langston and Mackenzie Snow were in the first performance. Other elf dancers have included Ben Joyce, Ming Stephens, Nick Berardy, and Michael Millerick.

Christmas Caroling
Not much to write...