Lubbock Christian University (LCU) will host its eleventh annual Big Blue Christmas celebration on Tuesday, November 28, to ring in the Christmas Season. The family-friendly event will take place on the LCU campus in the outdoor mall area and surrounding buildings from 5:30-7:00pm.
Dr. David Fraze takes a whimsical turn each Christmas by donning the iconic green tunic and yellow tights of Buddy the Elf, the lovable character from the 2003 movie, "Elf." Known for his exceptional intellect, personal engagement, and meaningful contributions to academia, Dr. Fraze assumes a fanciful identity during the holiday season. “Buddy” will be available for selfies throughout the evening.
With a resemblance to movie star Will Farrell, Dr. Fraze has been appearing as Buddy for a number of years, visiting schools, children’s hospitals, and other events embodying the spirit of joy and laughter in a way that uniquely captures the essence of the holiday season.
Fraze, along with his wife Lisa who steps into the role of Jovie, will be spreading infectious Christmas cheer at LCU’s annual Big Blue Christmas. Big Blue Christmas is open to the community and offers entertainment by LCU’s musical performance groups, pictures with Santa, a story time area by LCU’s School of Education, crafts and activities for children to enjoy, and s’mores by firepits. The event starts at 5:30pm and concludes with the lighting of the Chap, a bronze statue of LCU’s mascot, at approximately 6:50pm. A full schedule of activities can be found on the event webpage.
At LCU, Dr. Fraze serves as the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Youth and Family Ministry Endowed Chair in the Smith College of Biblical Studies. He is a talented individual with a passion for diverse pursuits, balancing an array of roles and engagements. Not only is he a character coach for the Frenship High School football team and the Dallas Cowboys summer character programs, but he is also a sought-after speaker and a consultant for schools and churches across the nation.
Fraze is a beloved professor at LCU integrating his wealth of experiences into the classroom and fostering a dynamic learning environment. His commitment extends beyond teaching, as evidenced by his mentoring of LCU students and those beyond the campus who are currently serving in ministry. Dr. Fraze has authored three books, and his scholarly contributions extend to youth initiatives like the Fuller Youth Institute's Growing Young material, where he conducted groundbreaking research. Additionally, Dr. Fraze played a pivotal role in shaping the Tenx10 initiative, a landmark nationwide collaboration focused on adolescent discipleship.
For Big Blue Christmas attendees who would like to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with their family, the LCU dining hall will be open to purchase meals. There will also be several vendors on site benefiting different LCU organizations, as well as a coffee and hot chocolate food truck.