Simply Having a Wonderful Holiday Season!

The leaves have fallen, Thanksgiving Break has past, and the all turkey has been eaten.

To me, this can only mean one thing: December, the best + most magical time of the year, has finally arrived! I’ve always loved the holiday season, the sound of Christmas music on the radio, the twinkle of colorful holiday lights on the homes in my neighborhood, and the opportunity to finally break out all my warm winter coats. While this chilly month always goes hand and hand with the culmination of another quarter at UCLA and finals stress, this season always remains joyful for me when I get to spend it with my fellow Belles!

A few weeks ago, on a Sunday evening leading into Week 8, a group of Belles and I went to the 18th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the Grove! This magical night was hosted by Leslie Odom, Jr. (the original Aaron Burr from Hamilton) and featured special musical performances by Issac Slade of The Fray, Tori Kelly, and Aloe Blacc. The show featured the first “snowfall” of the season, a fireworks spectacular and a surprise visit from the man himself: Santa Claus!

This event was such a fun way to kick off the holidays, and it made me excited for all the other winter themed Belles festivities, such as the Christmas movie + candy pretzel making night, the annual Secret Sleigh-belle Gift Exchange, trips to Salt + Straw to try all the new December flavors, a drive through the holiday light displays on Candy Cane Lane, and the annual Belles Disneyland trip in January!

This December, I’m thankful for the Belles that make the holiday season at UCLA the most magical time of the year. What a blessing to be surrounded by such a fun + supportive group of women who motivate me to finish the quarter strong!

Chloe Zgorzelski

Public Relations Distinguished Belle

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