Anthropology community enjoying dinner during the winter party in McMillan Hall

The dessert table filling up with homemade cookies courtesy of graduate students

Professor Fiona Marshall showing off her gift-drawing treasure to graduate students Lynne Rouse and Clarissa Cagnato

As anthropologists, we value community and, as a department, we continually seek ways to strengthen the community we share as faculty, students, and staff. Throughout the year the department hosts many events that bring the various elements of our community together, but none is anticipated more than our fabulous winter party! Held every year in the beautiful space of McMillan Café, the party is a beacon to visitors approaching in the chilly December air, glowing yellow and bright through the enormous leaded glass windows unique to this lovely room. Inside, the party is a raucous gathering of students, faculty, and staff, along with spouses, partners, and children—all of whom come together to enjoy good food, drink, and conversation in an atmosphere of party lights and pine boughs.

Graduate students outdo each other in baking a huge assortment of delicious holiday cookies and desserts. The highlight of the evening, however, is the drawing for our spectacular gift giveaways. All year long staff members acquire assorted "swag" from conferences, donations, and corporate giveaways, and then lovingly wrap them to present during the after-dinner gift drawing. No one leaves empty-handed (whether they like it or not), and many guests can be found negotiating trades for coveted items (a pharmaceutical tote bag, a U.S. census clipboard?) before the lights dim and the party ends.

Nothing warms the soul in winter like good company, a plate of pasta, fresh gingerbread, and a new Channel 9 mug to take home and enjoy coffee the next morning. Our winter party is a long-standing and beloved tradition.