Don’t let the light go out! This year, Pace celebrates the 34th anniversary of “Light One Candle.” “Light One Candle,” also known as the Holiday Program, is one of Pace’s most beloved holiday traditions. Performed on the night before Winter Break, students from Pre-First to Fifth Grade join together singing, acting, playing instruments and narrating the stories of Hanukkah and Christmas. The First Graders act out the roles of the stories, for example, playing Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story, or a Maccabe in the story of Hannukah. The Fifth Graders narrate, sing and play instruments, playing the most important role in the production. The grades in between spend hours learning and practicing the songs, perfecting them before show time in December. To celebrate the 34th anniversary of this special holiday tradition, the Knightly News spoke with members of the Pace community to reflect on and commemorate the tradition of the Holiday Program.
Many Pace High Schoolers who were at Pace during lower school have fond memories of being in the Holiday Program when they were younger. Many even return each year to watch the Holiday Program. In their final year at Pace, seniors are invited up onto the stage to stand behind the role they played as a young First-grader. “The Holiday Program is one of my favorite Pace traditions. I was the donkey and am really excited to get to stand behind my role this year. In First Grade, I remember thinking the seniors seemed so old,” mentioned Senior Elowyn Allen. “Each year of the Holiday Program became more exciting, from being an angel in Pre-First to singing on the steps in 2nd and 3rd grade to leading the program as a 5th grader.”
Juniors Sydney Gaither and Ashley York reflected on the Holiday Program as a core memory from Pace. “I remember being a Townsperson like it was yesterday and can’t believe the tradition has been going on for so long,” Gaither revealed. “Although I loved being a Candle in First Grade, my favorite memory of the Holiday Program was playing the recorder and narrating in Fifth Grade,” York said. Junior Dylan Nelson played a Macabee and reflected on some memories from the Holiday Program. “The Holiday Program was always the highlight of the year as a Lower Schooler. I couldn’t wait to be in it each year- it’s one of Pace’s best traditions!”
Since its opening 34 years ago, the program has changed a decent amount, including the dances and songs. The script and roles have stayed the same, however. This is what makes the Holiday Program so special. Students from over 30 years ago can return and hear the same lines, and songs and see the same roles from their time in the Lower School. This sense of community makes the Holiday Program possibly the most special and unique tradition at Pace. And if you have never watched it before, stop by this year for a special and heartwarming production that will surely get you into the holiday spirit!
