Merry Christmas from Saint Louis University! This holiday season, Saint Louis University's mascot, the Billiken, spreads joy and cheer throughout campus — with help from some SLU friends.Transcript: Every student in SLU-ville liked Christmas a ton, And the Billiken, their mascot, loved it more than anyone!The Billiken loved Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.It could be, perhaps, that his grin was so wide, It could be his heart so filled with SLU pride.But of all the reasons, the most likely I’ve read – His great love for SLU simply had to be spread.Whatever the reason, his grin or his heart, He studied and plotted the best way to start.He watched from his perch, posed in pondering form, At the warm-lighted windows of SLU’s nearby dorms.Until then he jumped, lightbulb now between ears, "I know how to boost SLU’s holiday cheer!"The Billiken had plans, though he first started small By wishing SLU students “Merry Christmas to all”!He then called his friends, the Oriflamme crew, who handed out candy all throughout SLU.He went to Grand Hall to prepare something sweet— Giving each student a holiday treat!He schemed with Blue Santa, trading secrets galore, So all down in SLU-ville receive gifts they'd adore.And let's not forget SLU's grand Christmas tree, Which the Billiken trimmed, with Dr. Fran and Freddie P!So this Christmas season, when there’s joy throughout SLU Know the Billiken loved bringing good cheer to you! Dr. Fran Pesello: To Billikens everywhere, from our hearts to yours— Dr. Fred Pestello: Merry Christmas, and a joyous New Year!Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers nearly 13,000 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person on campuses in St. Louis, Missouri, and Madrid, Spain. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place. Learn more at www.slu.edu.