“Unmask the Holiday Spirit” – 4-H Christmas Ornament Festival

Saudi Jones, UVI Extension assistant, works with children and families, making colorful Christmas ornaments. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

The UVI Great Hall on St. Croix was alight with festive holiday spirit as families gathered to make Christmas ornaments at stations throughout the hall.

“The crowd was not as large as anticipated but young people, parents, grandparents, seniors and UVI faculty and staff were seen enthusiastically creating amazing ornaments together,” 4-H Youth Development Specialist Sarah Dahl-Smith said. “Families also came out and it was so heartwarming to see dads working with their children to create fun and unique ornaments. Over 40 ornaments appeared on the Giving Tree.”

The 4-H Giving Tree was decorated with ornaments made by the children during the Christmas Ornament Festival at the UVI Great Hall on St. Croix. The tree will be donated to brighten the holidays in a location yet to be determined. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Smiles and laughter filled the hall as staff, volunteers and families interacted. The ornaments were placed in individual boxes marked with each child’s name for them to take home. They were encouraged to place one of their best ornaments on the Giving Tree to brighten someone else’s holiday.

A bright wreath with the 4-H logo in front of the door of the UVI Great Hall on St. Croix welcomed people to the festival. (Source photo by Linda Morland)