Written by Jessica Ardrey
It is Christmas time on campus. The lights are up, the temperature is down and the semester is drawing to a close. That can only mean one thing: ‘tis the season to put off studying to go to a function.
This past weekend, more than ten different social clubs hosted a function. While the themes of these functions varied, there was still an overlaying holiday motif.
Pi Theta Phi’s function was based off the 2003 movie “Elf.” Students dressed up as Christmas trees, ornaments, reindeer or anything else Christmassy. Décor included a giant bowl filled with spaghetti, chocolate Pop-Tarts, M&M’s, marshmallows and chocolate syrup, as well as a sign that reminded everyone of the “Code of the Elves.”
“It was one of the best Christmas functions PTP has ever had … Even Santa was there!” PTP member Loghan Lowery said.
Chi Omega Pi took a different route. Instead of warm and fuzzy, ChiOs got competitive. Holiday-themed teams (such as the “Fighting Candy Canes”) went head to head on the ice in a game of broomball. Armed with brooms instead of hockey sticks, tennis shoes instead of ice skates and a ball instead of a puck, attendees at this traditional function cannot be faint of heart.
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that it’s everyone’s favorite function,” ChiO Natasha Hull said. “I definitely have a great time every year.”
One would think that with so many people scrambling around the ice, someone is bound to get hurt. However, those who do walk away with only minor cuts and bruises.
“I think there has only been one trip to the hospital in recent history,” Hull said. “With so many people involved, I think that’s a pretty good statistic.”
Some of the other holiday activities included Delta Gamma Rho’s and Shantih’s functions that had members and guests parading around in ridiculous Christmas sweaters, donned with sequins, beads, and glitter.
Zeta Rho’s theme was “Christmas morning.” Hosted at the Gym Stars Gymnastics facility, students ran and jumped on the equipment wearing their best holiday PJs, reliving the childhood excitement of discovering Santa’s surprises. Chi Kappa Rho and Zeta Pi Zeta both had 1940s themed functions. While the ZPZ girls were “Kissing the War Goodbye,” XKP celebrated the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Men’s clubs, however, generally shy away from Christmas functions, with the exception of Chi Sigma Alpha, who celebrated the season elegantly with a holiday formal.
Beta Omega Chi based their function off of the hit reality TV game show “The Amazing Race.” Teams raced around Searcy, following clues to the next location. Once there, they had to complete tasks before receiving the next clue. The tasks ranged from flipping mattresses for Harding Place residents to drinking strange blended concoctions.
“It was one of the best functions I’ve ever been to because it was unconventional,” BOX member Andrew Riley said. “The typical ‘eat and watch a movie’ functions are cool, but they get old. I also thought it was very well planned out with fun and surprisingly difficult challenges, and it was a solid three hours of fun with my date.”
Last weekend, Knights also hosted its annual Dragon Roast function. This year’s theme was also based on a reality TV show: “Project Runway.” Attendees had the freedom to dress in whatever way they found fashionable, whether that be Miami Vice garb or the ever-popular Snuggie.
The long-standing aspect of this traditional function, however, is the squire entertainment. Where most clubs have queen or beau entertainment, at the Dragon Roast, the former pledge class gives a performance.
However you spent your holiday function season, remember the most important order of the Code of Elves: the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
