On Thursday, December 19, Peddie celebrated its winter holiday tradition which has been present ever since Santa knows when. As Peddie students, parents, alums and teachers filled the chapel, Peddie musicians started tuning the piano and oboes, sharing flameless candles with each other, and waving to their family and friends who came to visit. 

The Chamber Orchestra played multiple songs, including the “Nutcracker” series, songs from Handel’s “Messiah,” and “What Sweeter Music.” It also worked with the choir to make more Christmas music together, such as “Winter Song” sung by the Treblemakers. After the concert ended, as the parents and alums headed home, the orchestra brought the evening to a close with the iconic “Sleigh Ride.”

However, the orchestra and choir were not the only ensembles involved. The guitar ensemble also assembled together in the middle of the concert, working with singers from the choir (and one from the orchestra!) to perform “Feliz Navidad.” Hearing a timeless Christmas tune, performed by students, children and relatives, made the crowd excited. After the music, the crowd gave all musicians a big round of applause and cheers, just like they did for every other song the musicians performed. 

Between the music were excerpts from the Bible read aloud by Peddie seniors, words of praise and encouragement from Mr. Onion and Mr. Hamilton, and the tradition of turning off all the lights and having everyone sing “Silent Night” together while holding the flameless candles. It was a moment where the entire community bonded into one, regardless of whether they were students or teachers, musicians or audience members, and parents or children. It was as if everyone inside the chapel was simply a Falcon, appreciating the existence of one another within their well-built nest of Peddie, appreciating the beautiful winter moment with all the decorations and snow, appreciating the holiday season about to approach and a fresh labor to begin anew. 

After the concert was a Winter Festival in the Grille with hot chocolate, s’mores and holiday decorations. The Grille was prettier than ever with balloons, inflated snowmen and holiday ornaments. All the Falcons mingled together in festival joy, chatting and sharing food with each other. Peddie Vespers was a success this year, just like it was any other year.