It is one of the most awaited moments for students: the AEFML Christmas Dinner, the recreational event that seeks to stimulate the conviviality between FMUL students and lecturers, who gather at a dinner to celebrate the Christmas spirit.

This year, however, the event that usually takes place in Refectory I of the SASUL changed its location, so as to adapt to the circumstances of a pandemic that forced us to physical distancing. In return, it has taught us a precious lesson on the power to cultivate affections at a distance.

Despite the impediment of the usual after party, our students did not give up and reinvented themselves, in the face of adversity, organizing Christmas Eve 2020, with live transmission on the AEFML YouTube channel.

The solidarity component was not neglected in an event that also served to “help CASA and give a meal to those in need”, by raising funds for that association that provides support to the homeless.

In addition, the traditional Golden Harrys ceremony brought something new that made the competition even tougher. This year, the Degree in Nutrition Sciences joined the range of 6 usual nominees, in the race for the prizes awarded to the most popular personae of our Faculty in the different categories.

Paulo Caeiro, from the Audio-visual team, won the Best Employee award given by the students. In a sincere expression of appreciation, Paulo Caeiro thanked the recognition, acknowledging the longing for the student community, stating (on behalf of the entire team that works with him) that “we just don't more because we can't”.

This was followed by the award for Best Lecturer, which honoured Professor Bruno Silva-Santos. When thanking the students for the distinction “which is always a great honour and motivation”, the Professor stated that “this is a collective award, which rewards the teaching staff who knew how to adapt to this very difficult and challenging reality”, also emphasizing the “flexibility” of the students, who contributed decisively to this adaptation to the “new normal”.

Zoom Moment, Perfect Pair, Biggest Star, Most Dynamic and Best Accent were some of the other categories in the contest.

With musical performances, mini-games and lots of entertainment, this was a unique “Christmas dinner” in its form, but the same as usual in essence, reflecting the spirit of a strong and united community, in a moment of conviviality that will go down in history and that we can recall here.

 

António Velha - President of the Board of the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon

"With the weight of the pandemic making itself felt on all of us, all the more so at a time when we traditionally live, play, hug and get together with family and friends, every moment to have fun and relax a little becomes so much more important. Although it is not the same as a traditional Christmas dinner, it was still an adapted opportunity to get together and live the academic spirit of our Faculty and not lose this very important aspect of what it is to be a student!"

 

Mariana Ruivo – Year 4 student and member of the Cultural and Recreational Department of the AEFML

 “This year, Christmas Eve was a light in an unusual semester that made us remember and reinforce the academic spirit of our faculty and the social interaction that we all love. The race for desserts turned into solidary donations, the chanting and clamour during the Golden Harrys ceremony turned into a wave of commentary and the Aftertime  relaxation occasion was not forgotten during the moments of fun throughout the activity. That said, I couldn't be happier that, after 3 years of experiencing an event as familiar and welcoming as the Christmas Dinner, I could give back and provide my colleagues with a moment for sharing, fun and solidarity in the comfort of their homes.”

 

Pedro Fava – Year 3 student and member of the Cultural and Recreational Department of the AEFML

“The Christmas Dinner was held on 9 December  and was a way of testing the symbiosis in our department. As positive points, I cannot fail to highlight our success when it comes to solving problems that arose throughout the Streaming, the platform used was a success and the 3 mini-games proved to be the ideal way to entertain more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. I believe that despite the problems in terms of sound and scenery, it was an excellent evening that will certainly remain in everyone's memory”.

 

André Rocha – Year 4 student and member of the Cultural and Recreational Department of the AEFML

“This year we had no crowds at the Old Refectory, conversation and laughter during the meal, nor the famous dessert buffet - but none of that prevented us from sharing the special energy that is created when students from this faculty get together, whether in the now more empty corridors, or through a Streaming Platform. And, for that energy, even if we are at home, even if the microphones remain unexpectedly silent and the transmissions are delayed, we will not hesitate to work to try to take a little of what it is to be FMUL to all who are part of it”.

 

José Rodrigues - Year 6 student and winner in the Most Dynamic category

"AEFML’s Christmas Eve was quite different this year. Initially expectant in relation to the format and the course of the ceremony, the mere virtual proximity and the digital presence of so many friends and colleagues managed to take me momentarily to the Old Refectory and rekindle the spirit that we all feel in the various activities of the AEFML. To be able to fill the space left by the non-realization of this event was a huge challenge that the Cultural and Recreational Department was able to overcome with art and ingenuity! So, although we were unable to celebrate the end of another year and a Christmas season all together, it was amazing that we could have had a moment of relaxation celebrating our Home. Looking forward to our beloved Christmas Eve in physical format next year, I wish you all a Merry Christmas in safety and a better 2021 than the year that is just coming to an end!"

Ricardo Boavida - Year 2 student, nominated Best Star

"Having had the opportunity to be part of Christmas Eve 2020, promoted by our Students’ Association was, above all, to be able to witness its driving force and motivation that guide the unparalleled way of overcoming the most varied adversities that this year has imposed on us. Despite its completely different format, as always this Evening stood out for union, recognition and diversity. It was with pride and great pleasure that I was able to offer all my colleagues a small set of Christmas carols. Although I could not see their faces and receive their warm applause, I am sure it helped to warm up this colder and, unfortunately, more lonely year.”

 

Sofia Tavares
Editorial Team