Santa comes to town

Daily Barometer NEWS, November 30, 2007

Do not become alarmed by a large sparkled tree or a man dressed up in a Santa suit running around the MU quad today. It's the College Republicans showing OSU a little Christmas spirit. "We saw that there weren't really any Christmas events happening, so we decided to put one on," said Reece Hrizuk, the state chairman of the College Republicans and a junior in political science. "We want to wish our goodwill to all of OSU!" [Emphasis added]

Throughout the day, Hrizuk will dress up as Santa while wishing students, faculty, staff and anyone else a "Merry Christmas!"

Included in the display will be a Christmas tree, as well as the gift of candy canes for anyone who wants them.

"I think it's a great idea," said Cameo Cheung, a freshman in forest products and marketing. "I am a little disappointed OSU doesn't have as many non-Christian events, but it's not the end of the world. I personally love Santa, and Christmas trees smell great," she said.

Hrizuk, who put on the event last year as well, says that it is only meant to be an enjoyable event, not one to stir up religious controversy.

"If someone else of another religion wants to do a holiday event in the quad, like celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we'd support them in it. The more holidays the better!" Hrizuk said.

"[The College Republicans] just happen to be mostly Christian, so we thought we'd share Christmas with everyone this year."