By Erin Greig and Conrad May

With finals right around the corner, it was Friday, Dec. 16, that the quad was transformed into the North Pole.

Every year at Carlmont, right before winter break, begins with Jim Kelly and the ASB students transforming the quad into a winter wonderland. After a stressful week of preparing for finals, students were eager to have their picture taken with Santa.

I was excited to see snow because it reminded me that Christmas Break is just right around the corner, even if finals are starting,” said Pierce Bartolo.

Students were able to take their picture with Santa in the quad on Friday during lunch along with Santa’s elves, reindeer, and two little snowflakes with a warm, toasty fire place backdrop.

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Santa is played by different people every year, but this year Santa Claus was played by senior class president Jack Karasky.

“[Jack] brought the holiday spirit to Carlmont and carried on the tradition,” commented Mindy Yasuda, an ASB senior student who played one of Santa’s elves.

Many students showed up to have their picture taken with Santa and enjoyed that there was holiday cheer spread throughout the campus.

“I [was] excited to get my picture taken with Santa and not just study all day. I am very happy that I got to play in the snow today and enjoy a little Christmas spirit while not working.”

This Santa surprise wrapped up a long and stressful week and helped give many students a little Christmas spirit.

“It was really fun and it brings back childhood memories and the fun of it,” Yasuda said.