By Jan Miles
As with everything else in 2020, the winter holidays look different in Auburn this year. Santa wears a face shield and sits behind plexiglass, Aubie Claus is distanced in the background of family Christmas pictures, and masks are donned at parades, but the glitter of the menorah and Christmas tree still light up Samford lawn.
The December 6th Christmas parade kicked off the season with the first Santa sighting in downtown Auburn.
Unique to the Auburn/Opelika area is the Victorian Front Porch Tour. Their website explains the event impeccably:
“The tour began in 1993 with just a few homes participating, but has grown to include 60 homes on North 8th and 9th street. The homes are decorated with life-size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top-rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living.
The event is a self-directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Admission to this spectacular production is free.”
On the Friday night of the tour, the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour. The tour guides take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes.
Another Auburn favorite is the annual Auburn Gingerbread Village on display at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. The impressive display of campus includes campus favorites: Samford Hall, Toomers Corner and the Haley Center.
Dotted throughout the month of December are Aubie appearances, family gingerbread house building at the Marriott, 5ks and lit walks, and story times with Mrs. Claus.
One of the many things I will miss during Covid holidays are the opportunities to gather with the diverse cultural celebrations happening through student multicultural organizations on campus. With a portion of the student population of over 80 foreign countries represented here at AU, the month of December -in a normal year- is one where everyone can celebrate!