The 2021 Advent Market took place on Wednesday as Milligan students had the opportunity to get an early start to their holiday shopping list, while also supporting local businesses. From 9AM to 4:30 PM, the Gregory Lobby was host to the festivities, with free hot chocolate and snacks being served amongst the various local vendors in the atrium. Many of this year’s vendors have been at Milligan’s Advent Market years prior.
Wooden puzzles, crocheted headbands, homemade jewelry, and organic soap were some of the different products available for purchase throughout the day. Though different items catered to various interests, many Milligan students who were shopping shared a common goal.
“I want to give thoughtful Christmas gifts,” junior Katherine Allan said.
Allen is an exercise science major and has attended the Advent Market every fall since enrolling at Milligan.
“My freshman year I bought my sister a pair of homemade earrings,” she said. “I know with COVID-19 it has been hard to do stuff like this, but I always look forward to looking at the different tables set up.”
Like Allan, junior Molly Dycus stopped by in between classes to cross some names of her shopping list this year.
“I bought some earrings from Jeri’s Jewels, and a large print from Emma Ndune,” she said.
Dycus is a social work major who has spent the last year practicing, as she describes, “intentional shopping.”
“I like the advent market because I am a big proponent of supporting local businesses,” she said.
“This was a great way to do that and see what members of our community have created.”