Global Holiday Traditions Brighten TFS Christmas Tree Lighting

Tallulah Falls School seniors, faculty, and staff joined President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy, for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in the upper school lobby. Before the tree was illuminated, Dr. Peevy offered a brief history of the Christmas tree and welcomed several TFS international students to share holiday traditions from their home countries.

Senior Bushy Turnquest of Nassau, Bahamas, described a lively Christmas parade featuring brightly colored costumes and vibrant music. Seniors Stasa Milisavljevic of Čačak, Serbia, and Mara Pejanovic of Belgrade, Serbia, shared the Serbian tradition of placing a star atop the tree and noted that Christmas is celebrated on January 7. Glad Puscasu of Mangalia, Romania, spoke about the Romanian custom of slaughtering a pig on St. Ignatius’ Day, December 20.

Senior class president Brantley Allen of Clarkesville had the honor of lighting the tree. The 15 -foot tree, sourced from Osage Farms in Dillard, Georgia, stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Members of the TFS choral group led the class of 2026 in singing traditional Christmas carols, adding to the festive atmosphere.