November at BYU brings a mix of crisp air, festive flavors and a growing sense of gratitude.
Across campus, familiar places are embracing the season with decorations, seasonal treats and opportunities to give back.
Milk and Cookies in the Wilkinson Student Center has added a “hot cocoa cookie” to its lineup — a twist on the classic mudslide flavor topped with marshmallow fluff and chocolate sprinkles.
Emmalee Couch, a Milk and Cookies employee, said the shop’s fall flavors, like pumpkin spice milk, will soon be swapped out for Christmas favorites such as gingerbread milk, peppermint milk and a peppermint sugar cookie.
The BYU Store is also joining in on the fun, offering fudge-dipped caramel apples, seasonal fudges, mint-flavored treats and red and green candies.
Hannah Fowler, a BYU Store employee, said these limited-edition sweets are always a hit.
“Around the holidays, the caramel apples are a big thing,” Fowler said. “And honestly, a lot of students like the themed gummies.”
Beyond the seasonal snacks, the holiday season also brings a spirit of service to campus. Y-Serve, home to more than 68 service programs, provides students with numerous ways to give back.
Madelyn Ritchie, an office assistant at Y-Serve, said programs with notable service opportunities this time of year include Sub for Santa, Food for the Soul, Adopt a Grandparent, Meals on Wheels, Hospice and Community Food Banks.
“Our busiest time in the office is during finals,” Ritchie said. “I love it because (students are) spending their time not worrying about school, and they’re coming in to help other people.”
Some students also find their own ways to serve. Zachary Cantwell, a junior from American Fork, said he and some of his classmates plan to donate blood as a Thanksgiving-season service project.
For many, though, what stands out about the beginning of the holiday season isn’t the food or the service — but rather, the sense of connection.
Kailey Hopkins, a junior from American Fork, said for her, the “fall feeling” at BYU is all about gratitude.
“This semester I’m most grateful for the people that surround me in my life,” Hopkins said. “They’ve really supported me, and they’ve made being here awesome.”
Bentley Lebaron, a sophomore from Herriman, agreed.
“As the cold weather moves in, I don’t know why, it just makes me feel more grateful for my family and my friends and for everything I have in my life,” Lebaron said. “I’m grateful for just the opportunity to be able to get an education. And I’m grateful for God and all the good things he puts in my life.”