Boston College’s annual Christmas tree lighting kicked off the holiday season on the Heights, with students bundled in winter coats racing between a bouncy house, teddy bear giveaways, and a hot chocolate station. 

The Common has served as the home of the official Boston Christmas Tree since 1941, and the lighting event has become a city-wide gathering for Boston residents to enjoy Christmas carols, ice-skating performances on Frog Pond, and the stylings of well-known musical guests.

Following the Boston Common tree lighting ceremony, Columnist William Batchelor reminisces about the holiday season and looks toward welcoming change.