At the end of Block 4, just before students and staff leave for the month-long semester break, we all gather for an evening to celebrate the community and mark the end of the calendar year. The celebration begins with a holiday banquet complete with the traditional fare, gourmet vegetarian dishes, and luscious desserts. The tables are arranged in a large circle, so the community can come together as an extended family. After singing carols in the social room, we hold our gift exchange and then head for the Meetinghouse. In this holiday Meeting for Worship, candles give the room a soft light and spirits are full. Usually many students share their personal experiences or insights as they light a candle on the center table. This special meeting provides a poignant sense of closure for the first semester, as people leave toward far-flung places for the holidays.