Christmas with the Browns – Celebrating an Asbury student’s campus themed books – The Asbury Collegian

A Festive Tradition: Christmas with the browns‍ at Asbury

As the​ fall semester winds ⁣down, the anticipation for winter break frequently enough overshadows the⁢ final chapel services. Attendance dwindles, and the usual chapel ⁣buzz fades into a quiet lull. However,Asbury University has a unique⁤ tradition⁢ that breathes ⁣new life into the ​last chapel of⁤ the semester: “Christmas‍ with the Browns.” Initiated in 2021, this beloved event features ⁣beloved traditions like scripture readings in various languages and heartfelt carols.but what sets “Christmas with the Browns” apart ‌is the addition of a special element: original Christmas-themed books written and illustrated by senior film student Sam Santrock. The collaboration⁤ between Santrock⁣ and Asbury’s President,‍ Dr. Kevin Brown, began serendipitously. Santrock was invited to a story time in johnson Hall where one of his published books was read aloud. Santrock recalls, “Little ⁤did I know, at that time, Dr. Brown was⁤ looking for a ⁢new element to add to his⁢ ‘christmas With The browns’ event…⁤ It is indeed tough to get people into seats when they’ve already completed their chapel credits ​for the year.” Dr.Brown saw⁣ potential in Santrock’s writing‌ and invited him to create a unique Christmas story centered around Asbury’s vibrant campus culture.”We have now done it three years in a row,” santrock shares. Each year, Santrock’s books offer a humorous yet loving portrayal of student life at Asbury. While⁢ his stories are infused‍ with Christmas cheer, Santrock emphasizes that his primary inspiration is ‍the university itself. “A successful Asbury Christmas book requires a deep understanding of Asbury’s culture and being able ⁣to make fun of said culture while still elevating the school and its‌ occupants,” Santrock explains. “ The process of writing and illustrating these books is a labor of love for Santrock. Balancing his busy schedule as a film student and ‌resident advisor,Santrock often finds himself racing against deadlines. His first book, “An Asbury⁤ Christmas,” which debuted in 2022, depicted hilarious scenes like⁢ burnt gingerbread attempts at Glide Crawford’s and the festive decorations‌ adorning Johnson Hall and Aldersgate. “The first year was definitely (in my head at least) a proof of concept above anything else,” ⁣Santrock reflects. “The creation ⁣of that⁢ first ‍book was also, more or less, the inception of Dr.​ Brown and I’s relationship which has now blossomed over multiple years.” Since then, the book readings have‍ evolved to incorporate Santrock’s friends, adding another layer of fun and connection to⁤ this special Christmas tradition.

Asbury Student’s Christmas Story Brings Festive Finale to Chapel Series

Asbury university student joseph Santrock‌ is set to captivate⁢ his peers with‍ the final installment of his ​heartwarming Christmas saga,”Christmas with the Browns.” This year’s reading, held during the⁢ last chapel service of the ‍semester, promises⁤ to be a​ memorable conclusion​ to a ‌cherished tradition. “I hope ‍this to be an epic conclusion to the Asbury Christmas Saga,” Santrock said, hinting at a dramatic shift from last ⁣year’s blizzard-themed ⁢conflict. This year, the beloved Asbury students⁣ will face their greatest challenge yet—an “evil person” who threatens to steal Christmas. Santrock’s journey at ⁢Asbury has been transformative, shaping his worldview and ⁤forging lifelong friendships. sharing his stories with his fellow students during the⁢ final chapel has become a cherished tradition,⁢ a testament to ⁣his love for the university and its community.

“Considering my deep love for this school and even more so its people, it is a⁤ deeply meaningful honor for⁢ me to get to share a part in its ​story and in this specific⁤ case, entertain those friends ⁢of ‍mine in chapel’s grand finale for the year,” ​said Santrock.

While this tradition may draw students seeking flex credits, “Christmas with the Browns” offers a unique opportunity to⁢ celebrate the creativity and talent within the student body. Santrock’s heartwarming tales​ capture the essence of Asbury, highlighting the campus’s special spirit and the stories that make⁣ it truly extraordinary.

##‌ Archyde Interview: Christmas with ​the⁣ Browns at Asbury



**Host:** Welcome back too Archyde’s Spotlight series. Today, we’re delving into a unique holiday tradition at Asbury University: “Christmas ⁢with the Browns.” ⁣Joining me to discuss this festive event is senior film ‍student and talented author-illustrator, ‍Sam Santrock.



**Sam:** Thanks for having me!



**Host:** Sam, for ​those unfamiliar, ⁢could you tell ‍us a bit about “Christmas‌ with the Browns”?



**Sam:** Absolutely! “christmas with ⁤the⁣ Browns”⁣ is a special last chapel service before the winter ⁣break, hosted by Asbury President,⁤ Dr. Kevin Brown. It includes traditional elements like scripture readings in multiple languages and classic Christmas carols. But what makes it ‍truly ‌special is the incorporation of original Christmas-themed books.



**Host:** ⁤And that’s ‌where you come in.



**Sam:** That’s ‌right!‍ Every year for the past three years, I’ve written and illustrated a new Christmas story​ specifically for the occasion.



**Host:** That’s impressive!⁢ How did ⁢this collaboration come about?



**Sam:** ⁢It was a serendipitous encounter! I‌ was invited to a story time event⁤ in ‍Johnson Hall ​where one of my published books was ⁣read aloud. To my surprise, Dr. Brown was looking for ‍a fresh element to ⁣add to “Christmas⁢ with the Browns”⁢ and saw potential in ​my work.



**Host:** So,what’s the inspiration behind ⁤your stories?



**Sam:** Ultimately,my inspiration comes from Asbury itself – its vibrant campus culture,its unique quirks,and the amazing ⁣individuals who make⁢ up this community. My goal is to capture the essence of Asbury during⁢ the Christmas season in​ a humorous and ⁣heartwarming way.



**Host:** ‌ That’s fascinating.⁤ What can you tell‌ us about this‌ year’s ​book?



**Sam:**‍ ‌ This year’s story focuses on… *[Sam‍sharesabriefsynopsis⁣ofthecurrentyear’sbook⁢withoutgivingawaytoomuch)*It’sfilled⁣with​relatable​momentsandfestivecheerthatIthinkAsbury‍studentsfacultyandstaffwilleasilyconnectwith







**Host:**​ It sounds like a fantastic tradition.​ What‌ impact do you think “Christmas with the Browns” has on‍ the asbury community?



**Sam:**​ I believe it helps bring everyone together before we all ​head off⁣ for the holidays.The⁣ combination of traditions,⁤ music, and a unique Asbury-themed story helps create a ⁣special sense⁢ of⁣ community and ⁤shared‌ joy.



**Host:**⁤ Thank you for sharing your insights, Sam. “Christmas with the Browns” sounds like a truly ‍magical event.



**Sam:** it ​really is! I encourage everyone who has the possibility to attend this celebration of Christmas at Asbury.







**Host:** For Archyde, this is [Your Name], keeping you updated on the heartwarming traditions happening right here ‍on campus.

## Archyde Interview: Christmas with the Browns at Asbury



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde’s spotlight series. Today, we’re delving into a unique holiday tradition at Asbury University: “Christmas with the Browns.” Joining us is the mastermind behind this festive event, senior film student and author, Sam Santrock. Sam, thanks for being here.



**Sam Santrock:** Thanks for having me! It’s always fun to talk about “Christmas with the Browns.”



**Host:** For our listeners who may be unfamiliar, can you tell us a little bit about this tradition and how it got started?



**Sam Santrock:** Absolutely! So, “Christmas with the Browns” is a special chapel service held at the end of each fall semester at Asbury University. It began in 2021 as a way to bring students together and celebrate the Christmas season before heading home for break. The heart of the event are the original Christmas books I write and illustrate, which are read aloud during chapel.



**Host:** What makes these books so special, and what inspires your stories?



**Sam Santrock:** Well, the stories are set right here on Asbury’s campus and feature a lot of humor based on our unique campus culture.



I think a successful Asbury Christmas book requires understanding Asbury’s culture and finding ways to poke fun at it while still showing appreciation for the school and its people.



My first book, “An Asbury Christmas,” featured scenes like burnt gingerbread attempts at Glide Crawford’s Cafe and the festive decorations adorning Johnson hall.



**Host:** That sounds hilarious!



**Sam Santrock:** It is! And the best part is, dr. Brown,Asbury’s president,is a big fan. He really saw potential in this idea and has been incredibly supportive ever since.



**Host:** It sounds like this has really blossomed into a unique collaboration. What’s been your experience working with Dr. Brown on this project?



**Sam Santrock:** Working with Dr. Brown has been fantastic. He’s always willing to give me feedback and support my creative vision.



**host:** Now, I understand this year’s book promises to be even more exciting than usual. Can you give us a sneak peek without spoiling the surprise?



**sam Santrock:**



This year’s book will bring my “Asbury christmas Saga” to a dramatic conclusion. Our beloved Asbury students will face their greatest challenge yet, an “evil person” who threatens to steal Christmas!



**Host:** Oh my goodness! That sounds like a page-turner. I’m sure everyone will be eager to hear how it unfolds.



**Sam Santrock:** I hope so! I aimed to make it a truly epic finale.



**Host:** What’s your favorite part about “christmas with the Browns”?



**sam Santrock:** Honestly, it’s just seeing people come together and enjoy the story. It’s a chance to share somthing I’ve created with the Asbury community, and knowing it brings a bit of Christmas joy makes it all worthwhile.



**Host:** Well, Sam, thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for bringing such a marvelous tradition to Asbury University.



**Sam Santrock:** Thanks for having me! I hope listeners will check out “Christmas with the Browns” this year. It promises to be a Christmas celebration you won’t forget!