Stephen F. Austin State University

Wrapped in winter coats, gloves and scarves, SFA students and community members gathered in front of the Austin Building for the annual Holiday Extravaganza and tree-lighting ceremony, which was hosted by the Residence Hall Association.

Savannah Sloan, RHA president and SFA junior, said the Holiday Extravaganza is a way for students and local residents to gather in unity.

"Students sometimes forget about the holiday spirit while cramming for finals," Sloan said. "This is the perfect setting for SFA to exhibit Christmas spirit. We have a great community, and this is a good way to all join together to celebrate one event."

The SFA Choir, Soul to Soul choir and the Raguet Elementary School choir all performed during the event.

Crystal Abbassi's 10-year-old daughter, Savannah Perez, is a member of the Raguet choir.

"This is her second year in the choir," Abbassi said. "She enjoys it. It helps get her out of her shell and lets her participate in the community. This is something she practices hard for."

Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president, said the Holiday Extravaganza is one of the greatest SFA traditions that joins parents, grandparents, SFA students and faculty members.

He also said that during the holiday season, the best and worst is exhibited from people. He briefly spoke about a New York Wal-Mart employee who died on Black Friday after being shoved to the ground by customers.

"It's hard to believe something like that can happen in our country," Pattillo said. "At the same time last week, you heard the very best of mankind. And that was where in a grocery store an employee found a paper sack full of money in a restroom and the decision was whether (to) turn it in or whether (to) keep it. And he chose the right path. And that was to turn it in ... the money in the sack was the lifetime savings of an elderly gentleman."

Pattillo said he is thankful that "we all live in Nacogdoches and we're all connected to Stephen F. Austin."

He also wished the students good luck on their final exams next week.

"I hope your professors all have the holiday spirit and perhaps will be a little compassionate also when it comes down to that final grade," Pattillo said.

After Santa "flipped the switch" to turn on Christmas lights, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies were served in the plaza of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. People were also allowed to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.