Silent Night

Silent Night, December 2009

If you look at this photo closely, you might be wondering a couple of things. Why do some people have crazy hats? Why is everyone crowding the sideline on this side? Why is there a row of shirtless guys?

I can't really answer the last question, because I have no idea why they're shirtless. I'm assuming it's because they're from Sammy. But this photo shows Silent Night, one of the most famous Taylorisms. Thanks to an article that showed up on ESPN.com, this particular tradition has gotten some national attention.

For Silent Night, most of the student population dresses in their pajamas (and a few in other, more bizarre outfits) and crowds into the home side of the gym for the most well-attended basketball game of the season. We shuffle in and take our places quietly, with no talking even as the game begins. It's so quiet you can hear every squeak of the players' shoes. When our team scores its tenth point, pandemonium breaks out. Continuous cheering erupts for the rest of the game.

When the basketball game finishes, everyone heads to the DC for the Habecker Holipalooza, where our university's president and first lady read us a Christmas story--also in their pajamas. There is Christmas karaoke, a gingerbread house contest, Christmas-themed games, and plenty of desserts and treats for all.

This year's Silent Night is on Friday, December 9. I'd highly recommend going; it's a good time and a very unique experience!

If you want to read the article about Silent Night and watch the video contained in it, you can find them both here.