Christmas time is here!

Christmas has finally arrived at TAMIU! The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on December 1, 2009.

Things were a little different this year than last. Mother Nature decided to keep things cold and rainy which is why this year's tree lighting event took place in the Great Room located on the third floor of the TAMIU Killam Library.

Rosa Dominguez, a mother of four, said, "I really enjoyed last year's event better than this year's because it was outside and there was more room and the scenery was just breathtaking! Things were a little cramped this year because apparently all we had was a room in the library. What can you do."

The Great Room sure was packed Tuesday night with people having a hard time getting in and around the room without bumping into anybody by accident. The event went as smoothly as it could with children having a great time seeing Santa Claus as one child turned with the magic in his eyes.

"Santa is here! I can't believe he is here," said Raul Hernandez, a seven-year-old boy who was eager to see the big man!

The event had everything from children's choir to empanadas and of course hot chocolate to comfort our hearts and souls. The main event and attraction was of course Santa Claus as all the children lined up to talk to the head hancho about their wish list.

"It's good to know that the magic is still alive and that no child told the other that Santa isn't real. It's hard nowadays to keep that magic going because of all the negative influence media has on us. It's tougher now to raise a family with good morals and principles for our children to follow. The media and internet has gotten worse than ever before," said Brian Gutierrez, a father of two wonderful little girls.

The event lasted for two hours as children did not want to leave. Those two hours were everything for every single child that entered the Great Room. It was only fitting that the event took place at the Great Room because after all when it comes to the Spirit of Christmas, you need a "Great" location to capture the excitement and happiness that is Christmas!

Carmen Palacios, a proud parent of three children said, "It's good to see that TAMIU does care about Laredo and the children. They are our future and we need to set the example that we do love and care for our children."

All in all, it was a magical evening for students, professors, parents, and especially the children. None of this would have been possible without the effort and the hard work of TAMIU's CAB (Campus Activities Board).