The holiday season is in full swing and BYU Continuing Education (BYU CE) is abuzz with festive activities and decorations. Last year, the Department of Research, Planning, and Assessment invited staff to cut 3D paper snowflakes, which have been preserved and are yet to be displayed this year. For the past nine years, George Monsivais has been a driving force behind the Christmas cheer at BYU CE.
Monsivais’s enthusiasm is evidenced by his office: a rubber duck nativity scene, stockings for each team member, and an assortment of festive gnomes bring a unique, upbeat spirit to the workplace. “I brought [the gnomes] in one year and they took up residence. Then people started expecting them and gifting me gnomes,” Monsivais shared, remembering how it all began.
The tradition of decorating dates back to the previous building that housed BYU CE, where Monsivais and his colleagues would set up a Christmas tree and invite others to join them for cookies while they decorated the tree. "It brought about a significant amount of camaraderie," Monsivais recalled. This tradition has continued in the Harman building, with various departments participating in decorating and celebrating together.
One of the highlights of the season is Monsivais's piano performances. Ten years ago, Monsivais requested that a piano be moved to the old BYU CE building’s lobby, where he would play Christmas music in the morning as his coworkers arrived for work. Monsivais treasures the impact his playing has on the morale of his colleagues. “I think it’s fun. It brings a good spirit and helps people to smile,” Monsivais said. His music has become a beloved part of the BYU CE Christmas experience.
In addition to decorations and music, Monsivais and his department also engage in other activities like coloring pages for Thanksgiving and Christmas displayed outside the office. Monsivais emphasized the importance of these traditions in bringing people together and spreading joy.
At the heart of these celebrations is a deeper message. "Christmas, of course, has nostalgia for us. But at the core of it, in spite of all the commercialism and secular overtones, we're celebrating Heavenly Father's gift of His Son to us," Monsivais reflected. He believes that the spirit of Christmas serves as a reminder for us to share this, the greatest of all gifts, with those around us. By so doing, each employee at BYU CE can make a positive impact on each other and the world.
