Festive tree lighting kicks off the holiday season Published Dec. 7, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- At 5 p.m. the skies showed almost no sign of light this first of December as temperatures dipped into the low 50s. The crowds began to build around a massive dark evergreen tree in Flag Park. As they waited for the 25th Annual Base Tree Lighting, the chatter of work and the weather was almost muffled out by the level of excitement in the children's voices and laughter. Children's faces were hidden in steam as they sipped on hot chocolate and enjoyed cookies donated by the base commissary. Before the lighting of the tree, Brigadier General John McMullen, 325th Fighter Wing commander, accompanied by his wife Kim, briefed all of Santa's children, big or small, on the importance of behaving and doing what is right. He then selected a little girl from the crowd to assist with the countdown to light the tree. At the finish of 3-2-1, the more than 20-foot-tree was illuminated with hundreds of lights, kicking off the holiday season. General McMullen also stressed the importance of being a good Wingman and remembering Tyndall's deployed Airmen and their families this holiday season. "Our Airmen and their families are also providing a gift to us all this holiday season - our FREEDOM," said Gen. McMullen. "Many of them are far from home and would love to be here with us as we step into the holidays. Let us please not forget them, or the sacrifices they are enduring." After the lighting of the tree, children from Tyndall Elementary took to the front of the stage to engage the crowd in Christmas carols as they waited for the arrival of Santa Claus. Sirens blared from a large red fire truck as it approached the crowd of families around the Christmas tree. Beneath the sirens one could hear "Ho-Ho-Ho! Merry Christmas!" Who could it be but Santa Claus himself, leaning off the side of a Tyndall fire engine. Children squealed and jumped with joy with his flashy arrival. The children rushed to get in line for Santa to hand out treats and listen to what the boys and girls want this holiday season. "Of the 25 years I've attended the tree lighting, the arrival of Santa Claus is one of the most memorable parts of the tree lighting ceremony," said Wendy Poppell, 325th Force Support Squadron force support community programming director and tree lighting coordinator. "It's exciting to see the expressions on the children's faces as Santa makes his grand entrance."