As the calendar turns to December and the temperature drops, it’s officially time to decorate for the holidays and for Christmas songs and carols — the reasons as to why Hanging of the Greens is one of the University of New Mexico’s best traditions.
After a long week of work and studying, on Dec. 5, people were able to unwind and bring their holiday cheer with Hanging of the Greens. The festivities started with some cocoa and biscochitos served at the UNM bookstore.
Following some sweet treats, the march to University House would begin. There were four stops with Christmas caroling, culminating with the hanging of the wreath, also known as “the Greens,” on the President’s residence. The first stop was outside the Cornell Parking Structure next to Popejoy Hall and the Fiestas Dancers statue. The singing started off well with classics: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” The singing was led by the President of Mortar Board Bree Hawkins, Vice President Tazz Jaber and a choir of students.
“Hanging of the Greens is probably one of my favorite Christmas traditions that I’ve adopted with my family,” Hawkins said. “It is really cool to see the whole community come out for the holidays, getting to be president is an honor to plan the event and see it through. So I’m just super excited everyone comes out, it’s my favorite part to see everyone with their families and their friends. I hope tonight is special as it’s President (Garnett) Stokes’ last Hanging of the Greens.”
Stokes announced earlier this semester that she would be retiring as University President at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
While the day got darker, the energy rose up as the march continued to the second stop of the night — the west side of the Student Union Building in front of Johnson Center. The classics continued with “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
The last stop before the President’s House was at the cactus gardens, which definitely felt most like the season. Due to the snow delay on Dec. 4, there were some snow remnants on the ground, allowing for kids to play and even make little snowmen. Next on the song sheet included “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Deck the Halls.”
Finally, the path of the event came to its destination as the march arrived at President Stoke’s house. The last two main carols capped off the event with “Silent Nights” and “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The Mortar Board thanked the President after awarding her with a gift. Then the crowning moment hit when President Stokes hung the wreath on the house, symbolizing the hanging of the greens.
Afterwards, there were refreshments to fuel back up and cool down after some energetic caroling, along with posole served at Hodgin Hall, water and hot apple cider.
Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
