A Very Merry ZTA Holiday

Alex Carter (left) and Emily Ballard (right) show off their holiday facepaint. 

PC '15 cuties pose by the fireplace. 

Ever since I joined Zeta I had heard murmurings of the famed Christmas party. Every year at the end of the fall semester, we come together as a chapter and enjoy each other’s company and the Christmas spirit. Being as Christmas obsessed as I am, I was incredibly excited for this. I walked into the house Monday night before the festivities began to get some last minute studying in and already found the rooms filled with colors of Christmas and poinsettias, in addition to the already erected Christmas tree and strung garland. I could hardly pay attention to my awful online lecture with all the magic unfolding around me as the party began.

Santa even made an appearance! 

One thing I can always brag on Zeta about is the food. A ribeye steak complete with mashed potato balls, green beans, the whole nine yards! I was still studying with Haleigh, Brogan, Rachel, and Laura as we devoured the meal. My lecture went on the back burner pretty quickly, as did everyone else’s academics. Now was a time to enjoy each other’s company. Rachel and I went to the hot chocolate bar (the best surprise of this semester) and I put just about everything I could in it with a heavy emphasis on peppermint. It was delectable on a different level. Soon, another Zeta favorite of mine came into play- face painting. Luckily the table was adjacent to me and I jumped in line. I tried to be creative and got some swirly snowflake magic covering the left side of my face; an instant photo shoot opportunity if we’re being honest. Brogan and Chandler went all out with the Grinch consuming their face.

Leaving the house in the glow of the lights wrapping around our grand columns, I’m reminded for possibly the millionth time that I am home; that these are my people, and this is my place. Everyone could set aside their stress for their upcoming test and bask in the holiday season all together for the last time this semester. And goodness, I will never forget the picture of Chandler in bed with green remnants on her face making Grinch references. It was definitely a night for the books.

Brogan Nielsen (left) and Katherine Shepard (right) hug under the Christmas tree. 

Some Good Old Thanksgiving Football

           

Some Good Old Thanksgiving Football

Jenn Francis and her twin brother, Jordan, supporting the horns.

         As my family and I headed to the Thanksgiving game at Darrell K. Royal like we do each Thanksgiving, we were ready for the last Longhorn home game of the season. Stuffed with our Thanksgiving meals, it was nice to relax and spend the game and day with family. Knowing that it may rain, we purchased ponchos at the team store and headed to our seats. 

PC '14 Jenn Francis at the game with her dad and brother.

I sat in between my younger sister who hopes to be a Longhorn someday, and my mom who was one. As the rain started to pour, we put on our ponchos and tried to stay dry and warm. I got to see some of my Red Raider friends who came to the game, and spent time with my family. As the Longhorns were picked to win, we watched and cheered and hoped! The game itself was great. At halftime, Jimmy Vaughn performed along with our band and put on a fun performance. It was strange seeing an almost empty student section, and looking around to see so many families and friends fill in the stadium. The second half of the game was crazy: so many great plays and so much excitement from fans in the stands. 

Tara Tillery and family. 

The Thanksgiving game was a awesome, but was a different experience from most games. Instead of going to tailgates and sitting with friends in the rowdy student section, I got to eat and relax and enjoy with my family. It was a little bit saddening knowing it was the last home game of the season, and the last home game for all of the seniors. It was such a great experience and I hope I get to spend Thanksgiving rooting on Texas every year with my family!
Tara Tillery, PC ’15