The Shattered Ornament

by The Cowl Editor on December 9, 2021


Christmas


ornament on a christmas tree
photo creds- pexels

Taylor Rogers ’24

I left a glittering ball of green at your doorstep,

Knowing the emerald hue was a color you adored. 

Patiently, the sphere sits outside,

Waiting for your comforting touch to pull it off the empty porch.

 

The ornament watches the world in awe,

As December rips off her white jacket, 

Letting the small cotton balls gracefully glide to the ground. 

Fragments of this coat began to dot Earth’s exposed back,

Hitting the poor planet with a cold embrace. 

 

Day’s warmth soon escapes the tiny steps,

Surrounding the distraught ornament in night’s terrifying shadows. 

As the sky fades, the green bead’s anxiety increases,

Unwilling to wait this long for its new owner. 

 

Hope flees from this poor ball, 

Refusing to stay on the freezing porch of despair.

Snow continues to languidly fall, 

Taunting the lonely gift that appears to be unwanted. 

 

A foot nearly crushes the distressed ornament, 

But manages to stop itself as the sphere shakes in fear. 

Within seconds, the ball of green is embraced,

Lifted from the doorstep of despair,

Finally allowed to relax in your arms.

Letters to Santa

by The Cowl Editor on December 7, 2019


Christmas


Santa reaching over a plate and grabbing a cookie
Photo courtesy of pixabay.com

Dear Santa,

I don’t really know if this is in your jurisdiction, but I don’t know who else to ask. The city won’t listen to me, even though I have sent at least six letters (studies show that’s usually the most effective number). I don’t know if you can assemble some of your reindeer and hook them up to something other than a sleigh or if you could just sprinkle some Christmas magic on the road, but I would really appreciate having the bike lane back on Eaton Street.  Nothing gave me greater joy than peddling along in my own special lane, safely protected from cars by those nice yellow poles.  Sometimes if I was feeling daring, I would weave through them.  It was all great fun.  I know a lot of people were upset by it and I know it only really works if you’re going in one direction, but it made me feel special.  It made me feel like the city really cared about my relationship with my bike.  And now, it’s like it doesn’t matter…it’s like I don’t matter.  Please, if you can work some Christmas miracle, bring the bike lane back.  I need it in my life.  My bike and I are depending on you. 

Sincerely,
Too-Tired to Do Any More 

 

Dear Santa,

You’re gonna be surprised.

I know I usually ask for some material things like makeup from Sephora, trendy accessories, or a new pair of heels. But this year I am asking— well, begging— for something different. Look, the last four years I have felt like I was living in a magical land, kinda like the North Pole. But, alas, good things must come to an end. As much as I try to be in denial, I have to admit that I am graduating college in the spring. And you see, there’s a ton going on in my neck of the woods. I know you’re a super busy person, but so am I nowadays. I don’t even have time to check Instagram or upload pictures to my new Facebook album called “Year 4.” I’m not trying to one-up you or anything, but I have had a ton of all-nighters recently; back to back days with zero sleep. On top of doing all of my homework and cramming for my never-ending finals week, I have been sending out a mountain of applications. It’s like I’ve been on autopilot, whipping out cover letters like your elves make toys. And I feel like, since it is Christmas time and all, miracles happen. It’s the season of giving! So please, would you put in a good word for me and leave a job offer underneath my tree?

Sincerely,
A Stressed Senior

 

Dear Santa, 

Let’s get one thing straight. This Christmas is going to be a little different from last year’s, okay? It isn’t too big of a deal, but there was a little bit of a mixup with the presents I think. I understand, though. You have a lot to deal with delivering all those presents in one night, squeezing down tiny chimneys, and figuring out whose toys are whose. So like I said, not a huge deal, but I think you have a little bit of experience by now so I just wanted to point out your mistake. Last year, I asked for a bunch of bows to put in my hair, remember? Susie Hayes used to wear her hair like that all the time, and I wanted to have my hair look just like hers. Only better, of course. Even after I specified this very clearly,  all you gave me were ribbons. They were beautiful ribbons and all, but how is that going to help me decorate my hair? My mom told me that the bows are created by ribbons, but really Santa? I’m seven. How am I supposed to make a bow with ribbon? It is a little ridiculous to me. This year, I will make it a little easier for you. I like headbands now, and not ones that I have to make. Just regular, cute, fun headbands. Preferably pink. Thank you Santa!

Patiently,
Sarah

 

Dear Santa,

I need you to do me a favor. So my mom got me these wicked cool Jordans for my birthday last month, right? The thing is, though, I lost them. Like, basically the next day. BUT, they’re mad expensive, right? So here’s what I need you to do. 

I need you to find a pair of Air Jordans Retro 13, the black and teal kind, and beat ’em up for me a bit. Like, I dunno, have one of your elves wear ’em around, scuff ’em up, whatever. Then, I need you to get the box a little messed up, too. Crush it a little, maybe tear at the corners, just make it look like it’s ~been through~ some things, y’know? Okay, and then, and like, this is the wicked important part so pay attention please, I need you to NOT put them under the tree or near my stocking. Leave ’em by my room—if you go up the stairs and turn right, it’s the second door on the left.

DON’T LEAVE THEM UNDER THE TREE. Not unless you want me to be DEAD. Because if my mom finds out that I lost a $200 pair of shoes, I might as well just go bury myself in the ground.

So remember, Santa: find the shoes, rough ’em up, and leave ’em directly with me.

Stay chill,
Mikey

Tiff and Earl

by The Cowl Editor on December 7, 2019


Christmas


Dear Tiff and Earl, 

I was hired to write a new Hallmark movie and am out of ideas. What clichés should I use?

Merrily,
Clueless at Christmas

 

Dear Clueless, 

Forget the clichés. Doesn’t anyone ever wonder what happened to that guy that the girl was supposed to marry but then realizes he isn’t right for her and falls in love with some flannel-clad, blue-jean stud? I’m sure the other guy wasn’t that bad, but he still had his heart broken! How’s his Christmas going to be? Probably not as merry and bright as his ex-lover’s. Geez, the poor guy was probably getting ready to propose, too. Write a movie for him, we’ve got enough clichés out there. 

Uncommonly,
Tiff

 

Dear Hall and Mark, 

Running out of new ideas is central to making a good Hallmark move. If you’re trying to appeal to a new audience, try adding in some clichés from Lifetime movies. What’s the real reason Lydia fell in love with the man who moved to her quaint small town where it’s always Christmas? Well, the last woman to refuse him ended up in a windowless white van. Who knows what’s buried under that cute gazebo in the town square…

Uninventively,
Earl

Reason(s) for the Season: Exploring the Many Traditions of Christmastime

by The Cowl Editor on December 5, 2019


Features


Boston’s Christmas celebrations pay homage to the famous Rockefeller Center tree lighting. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com

by Brian Garvey ’20

News Staff

Christmas on the East Coast is a time of family, revelry, and tradition. With the majority of Providence College students heading home for the holidays, many join in traditions ranging from Christmas tree shopping to listening to silver bells in New York City.

New York City, while already iconic, ups the ante during Christmastime. Once a year, in November, a massive Christmas tree is chosen to dazzle all of New York, lighting up the famous Rockefeller Center. For some students who call New York or New Jersey home, this is a must-see event. Brendan Cooney ’20, said, “My family and I love going into New York during the Christmas season. We have been going into the city ever since I was little, and I love shopping in all the stores and seeing all the lights. But my absolute favorite part is skating at the Rockefeller rink.” The world-famous rink, below street level with thousands of onlookers, is steeped in history and an icon of Christmastime in the city.

Boston, not to be outdone, also puts on a fantastic show for Christmas. There is a beautiful tree lighting in Boston Common, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace is always incredibly festive. Some students use the rich sports culture of Boston as a tradition. Chris Olivieri ’20, said, “ My brother, dad, and I have always gone to TD Garden for a Bruins game over Christmastime. I love Original Six hockey, and I can’t wait to see them hopefully get a win.”

Others prefer a more casual Christmas tradition but by no means quieter. Across New England, the young and old alike sling their skates over their shoulders and head to their local pond or rink, ready to relive glory days of hockey, from pee-wee to college. Christian Bernard ’20 said, “I have never been much of a finesse player, but I love playing hockey with the people of Leominster. I like to make my presence felt early, then distribute to my younger siblings and cousins later in the game. Me and my family play on Christmas day every year, and it is a blast.”

Competition seems to be a very important part of family traditions to many students. “Every year, on Christmas day, my mom’s friend always buys my sister and I a new board game as a gift. The whole family plays, and everyone gets really into it. It’s always super competitive, and it brings everyone closer together,” says Bernard.

Gift-giving is obviously a large part of many family’s Christmas traditions. The McMahon family takes this to a whole new level, as Tom McMahon ‘20 is the second oldest of 11 siblings participating in a massive gift exchange that spans over 50 extended family members. “One year, all I got was a pair of socks. The next year, I got a brand-new saxophone, something I cherish dearly,” said McMahon. “It really depends on who you get matched up with. My favorite gift that I have ever gotten was easily my Supreme hoodie, and I look forward to this exchange every year.” The chaos brought on by a gift exchange featuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents is a sight to see, and McMahon says he would not trade it for the world.

Christmastime means many things to different people, and the traditions that come with it are treasured. Whether it be chaos on the hockey rink or a moonlit walk through Central Park, the traditions of the holidays bring friends and family together, and that is what the holiday celebrations are all about.

Christmas Time is Here: PC Rings in Holiday Season with Tree Lighting

by The Cowl Editor on December 5, 2019


Campus


Dean of Students Steven Sears flips the switch at the PC Christmas tree lighting. Lillie Hunter ’22/TheCowl

by Nicole Silverio ’22

News Staff

To kick off the Christmas season on campus, the Office of Student Activities & Cultural Programming hosted the Aannual tree lighting on Slavin Lawn on Tuesday evening. Originally scheduled for Monday, it was postponed one day due to weather conditions. This campus tradition is a magical way to start the Christmas season and get students into the Christmas spirit. 

While the large evergreen stood in front of Slavin Lawn awaiting its special moment, the event provided Insomnia Cookies, hot chocolate, activities, and live music. A crowd of students stood outside in the freezing, thirty-degree weather on Slavin Lawn with goodies waiting for the tree to be lit. 

The ceremony began in the late afternoon so the lighting would be visible. An estimated 50 people arrived to watch this wonderful tradition. Luckily, the snowy weather from Monday night continuing into Tuesday morning had ended, clearing up the sky to allow the event to take place. 

The Providence College A capella group,  Strictly Speaking, performed to further spread the Christmas spirit. Mike DeMaris, a guest singer at the event, sang “Silent Night” to the crowd. After the musical performances, Father Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., gave a short welcoming speech and told the nativity story, the story of the very first Christmas, the story that began it all. He then wished everyone on campus a wonderful Christmas. 

When the time came to light the tree, the crowd counted down, and the College’s Christmas tree was officially lit for the Christmas season. As a Catholic campus, PC has a special opportunity to have Christmas traditions and decorate the campus  with evergreens and shining lights to put all of the students in the Christmas spirit. For the remainder of the season, the tree will sit on Slavin Lawn beautifully lit. Although it happens every year, this yearly event was equally as special, bringing students together for Christmas festivities as well as having a light-hearted event to get their minds off of the stress of finals.  

Tiff and Earl

by The Cowl Editor on November 14, 2019


Features


Dear Tiff and Earl,

Help, my roommates think it’s too early to start decorating for Christmas, but I already put my tree up! Is my blow-up Santa too much?

Sincerely,
Stocking Stuffer

 

Dear Stocking Stuffer, 

You’re merely temporarily relocating some of your possessions. Leave it open for interpretation. Plus, Christmas is about Jesus, so you haven’t really started decorating until you bring out the blow-up nativity. Bake some cookies for your roommates, and that’ll shut them up.

Ho Ho Hopefully Helpful,
Tiff

 

Dear Stocking,

Put that Santa back up the chimney until Black Friday at least! Halloween was barely two weeks ago, and Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet. We all know the early Christmas campaign is just for capitalist companies to get more money out of us honest working-class people. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas too, but give the Turkeys and Pilgrims some love first. 

Gobble gobble,
Earl

Starlight

by The Cowl Editor on December 8, 2018


Christmas


by Jessica Polanco ’20

It was 4:30 in the evening and Lorrinda was relieved to go home. It was her first day at work, and she was exhausted. Despite the traffic, she got home just in time to make dinner for her family. Once she entered her home, she headed straight to the kitchen and connected her phone to the aux to play her favorite Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. She pulled out the pots from under the stove and began prepping some salmon and peeling potatoes. She sang and sang while she cooked so that she forgot about how long and exhausting her first day at work was.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Lorrinda made her way to the front door. Eli and Sophia were pulled into their home by the aroma of the food cooking. They threw their book-packs and jackets to the side and ran into the kitchen. “MOM!!! You’re cooking our favorite dish! YAY!” Their smiles spread from cheek to cheek, and the innocence in their eyes illuminated a warmth in Lorrinda’s heart. “Yes babies,” and gave them both kisses on their foreheads, “how was school?”

“Good mom, today we wrote our letters to Santa. I told him that I want the new Lego collection, and the Heelys in all black. I even promised him that I will make him cookies and milk if he comes mom!” yelled Eli.

“Yeah Mom, it was so fun. I told Santa I wanted a mermaid tale blanket in purple and the Bratz doll collection. I even prayed in my head before I signed it. I’ve been good all year so I think Santa will come Mami!” screamed Sophia.

Lorrinda laughed while she began plating the mashed potatoes. “Oh, I don’t know babies, we’ll see if Santa comes and pays us a visit this Christmas. We can definitely make him some cookies for his visit.”

“I hope so Mami, you say he will come every year but he never does!” pouted Eli.

“I think this Christmas will be a good one, don’t worry.” She said smiling, knowing that this year would be the first year she would be able to make it special for her twins.

During dinner, Joey came in. He was dressed in his construction clothes. Eli and Sophia screamed, “DAD!!!!” He tried to smile back at his family but the exhaustion was married to his facial expression. Lorrinda kissed him and mentioned that his food was in the microwave. “Thank you, my love. I’ma go shower and then come back down to join you guys.”

The Polar Express was playing on the TV once Joey came back downstairs. He grabbed his dinner and joined his family on the blanket laid on the floor. The children began to drowse off and minutes later the snores began to take control of the room. Joey finished his plate and returned to the living room floor. He tucked himself in after checking if Eli and Sophia were good, and smiled proudly. Lorrinda made sure all the Christmas lights were on. As she clicked the Christmas tree lights on, she grinned at the fact that she was finally living the holiday the same way her friends would boast about during this time of the year. She strolled to where the her family laid sound asleep. Lorrinda cuddled behind Sophia and closed her eyes and prayed to her Savior before she fell asleep.

Suddenly, a warm breeze ran through the living room and Sophia woke up crying. Her cries were accompanied by the fire alarm screaming. Joey’s eyes burst open like a dropped eggshell. He jumped up, carried Eli from the floor and yelled “WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WE HAVE TO GET OUT NOW!” The fire trucks sirens were getting more and more intimate. Lorrinda finally woke up from her deep sleep, she began crying and whispered,“Why is this happening to us?” She knew she would not get an answer and picked up Sophia from the floor and ran outside. Taking a glance at everything they worked so hard to finally have, her looks kissed them warm goodbyes. Every item she glanced at formed a deeper pond of tears in her vision. It made it harder for her to see and the smoke in the house did not make it any better.

The Calderon’s finally made it outside. They stood shivering above the snow, witnessing their house get watered down, noticing everything had gone with the fire. Eli and Sophia sobbed, the innocence of their eyes left without any warning or remorse. A firefighter approached the family with a long face. “I’m sorry Mr. and Mrs. Calderon, everything in the house is gone. You and your family are welcome to go to the Crossroads Family Shelter nearby. If you need any transportation, we will be glad to drive you.”

“Thank you,” Joey said, barely. The firefighter continued, “The only thing that survived was the starlight topper from the Christmas tree.”

A star Christmas tree topper that is melted and burnt
Graphic design courtesy of Connor Zimmerman ’20

Starlight

by The Cowl Editor on December 8, 2018


Christmas


by Jessica Polanco ’20

It was 4:30 in the evening and Lorrinda was relieved to go home. It was her first day at work, and she was exhausted. Despite the traffic, she got home just in time to make dinner for her family. Once she entered her home, she headed straight to the kitchen and connected her phone to the aux to play her favorite Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. She pulled out the pots from under the stove and began prepping some salmon and peeling potatoes. She sang and sang while she cooked so that she forgot about how long and exhausting her first day at work was.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and Lorrinda made her way to the front door. Eli and Sophia were pulled into their home by the aroma of the food cooking. They threw their book-packs and jackets to the side and ran into the kitchen. “MOM!!! You’re cooking our favorite dish! YAY!” Their smiles spread from cheek to cheek, and the innocence in their eyes illuminated a warmth in Lorrinda’s heart. “Yes babies,” and gave them both kisses on their foreheads, “how was school?”

“Good mom, today we wrote our letters to Santa. I told him that I want the new Lego collection, and the Heelys in all black. I even promised him that I will make him cookies and milk if he comes mom!” yelled Eli.

“Yeah Mom, it was so fun. I told Santa I wanted a mermaid tale blanket in purple and the Bratz doll collection. I even prayed in my head before I signed it. I’ve been good all year so I think Santa will come Mami!” screamed Sophia.

Lorrinda laughed while she began plating the mashed potatoes. “Oh, I don’t know babies, we’ll see if Santa comes and pays us a visit this Christmas. We can definitely make him some cookies for his visit.”

“I hope so Mami, you say he will come every year but he never does!” pouted Eli.

“I think this Christmas will be a good one, don’t worry.” She said smiling, knowing that this year would be the first year she would be able to make it special for her twins.

During dinner, Joey came in. He was dressed in his construction clothes. Eli and Sophia screamed, “DAD!!!!” He tried to smile back at his family but the exhaustion was married to his facial expression. Lorrinda kissed him and mentioned that his food was in the microwave. “Thank you, my love. I’ma go shower and then come back down to join you guys.”

The Polar Express was playing on the TV once Joey came back downstairs. He grabbed his dinner and joined his family on the blanket laid on the floor. The children began to drowse off and minutes later the snores began to take control of the room. Joey finished his plate and returned to the living room floor. He tucked himself in after checking if Eli and Sophia were good, and smiled proudly. Lorrinda made sure all the Christmas lights were on. As she clicked the Christmas tree lights on, she grinned at the fact that she was finally living the holiday the same way her friends would boast about during this time of the year. She strolled to where the her family laid sound asleep. Lorrinda cuddled behind Sophia and closed her eyes and prayed to her Savior before she fell asleep.

Suddenly, a warm breeze ran through the living room and Sophia woke up crying. Her cries were accompanied by the fire alarm screaming. Joey’s eyes burst open like a dropped eggshell. He jumped up, carried Eli from the floor and yelled “WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WE HAVE TO GET OUT NOW!” The fire trucks sirens were getting more and more intimate. Lorrinda finally woke up from her deep sleep, she began crying and whispered,“Why is this happening to us?” She knew she would not get an answer and picked up Sophia from the floor and ran outside. Taking a glance at everything they worked so hard to finally have, her looks kissed them warm goodbyes. Every item she glanced at formed a deeper pond of tears in her vision. It made it harder for her to see and the smoke in the house did not make it any better.

The Calderon’s finally made it outside. They stood shivering above the snow, witnessing their house get watered down, noticing everything had gone with the fire. Eli and Sophia sobbed, the innocence of their eyes left without any warning or remorse. A firefighter approached the family with a long face. “I’m sorry Mr. and Mrs. Calderon, everything in the house is gone. You and your family are welcome to go to the Crossroads Family Shelter nearby. If you need any transportation, we will be glad to drive you.”

“Thank you,” Joey said, barely. The firefighter continued, “The only thing that survived was the starlight topper from the Christmas tree.”

A star Christmas tree topper that is melted and burnt
Graphic design courtesy of Connor Zimmerman ’20

Fast Fiction: What is the True Meaning of Christmas?

by The Cowl Editor on December 8, 2018


Christmas


Celebrating together and never alone.
by Sam Pellman ’20

Charlie brown with his Christmas tree by Snoopy and his doghouse
Photo courtesy of wallpapercave.com

 

This ugly year is over, Christmas oncoming.
by Sam Ward ’21

 

Playing in the snow at 21 years old.
by Dawyn Henriquez ’19

 

 

Children experiencing the magic of believing.
by Gabriela Baron ’20

 

 

A way to keep Santa fed.
by Sarah Kirchner ’21

 

Insuring your roof from reindeer damage.
by Connor Zimmerman ’20

A Christmas to Remember

by The Cowl Editor on December 8, 2018


Christmas


by Julia Zygiel ’19

Black ice stripes the concrete path to our front door. The rest of the snow from the mid-December squall has already melted, but the ice remains, filling my head with visions of broken hips and legs. Our son-in-law has offered time and again to salt the driveway and path, but Lottie always interrupts my “yes please,” insisting that we can do it ourselves, forgetting the fact that neither of us could lift those heavy bags, or push the machine without throwing out our backs. Stubbornly she insists, and stubbornly she has held onto my heart for 51 years.

Ensuring that my steps are rooted, I make it to the door and pat my thighs to remind myself of the small velvet box still burning a hole in my pocket. I enter to a chorus of Merry Christmases. Lottie sits at the head of the table, like she has since our first Christmas in the home we built together. I kneel down next to her seat, and worry briefly that I won’t be able to stand up again. Her knotted fingers caress my cheek, and she smiles coyly, announcing to our descendents that her beautiful boyfriend has finally arrived. I fumble around in my pocket and reveal her engagement ring, swathed in velvet and glowing like the moon. Her hands suppress a gasp and I think I see a flash of recognition in her dark brown eyes. Foolishly, I tell myself she’s remembering my first proposal 46 years ago, the same as this one, only carried out on sturdier limbs.

Before I can ask she whispers yes, beating me to the punch like always. The ring clicks softly as it knocks against her golden wedding band. She doesn’t notice. We kiss, and I am grateful to remain silent. Tears have taken my words hostage. She cries of happiness, and we embrace. The air fills with sighs and sobs of a family that may soon be forgotten.

Man proposing to his wife with an engagement ring in a velvet box
Graphic design by Connor Zimmerman ’20