Although some students may still be stuffed from Thanksgiving, they can still grab some hot cocoa and cookies and join the TCU community for the annual holiday tree lighting at 9 p.m. today in front of Sadler Hall.At the tree lighting, there will be Christmas carols, refreshments, candles and a gift drive – the Spirit of Christmas Campaign – to benefit Tarrant County Child Protective Services, said Lauren Nixon, a sophomore advertising/public relations major.

“This is an amazing tradition on campus that is really looked forward to by many students,” Nixon said. “It is a great time for everyone to come together and just celebrate the season.”

Hillary Wood, a freshman communication studies major, said she is already preparing for Christmas.

“Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I look forward to all of the events that go along with it,” Wood said. “I have never been to the tree lighting before, but I am ready to get into the holiday spirit.”

During the evening, Nixon said, songs will be lead by the Word of Truth Gospel Choir and the chancellor, and a representative from Child Protective Services will speak.

She said the evening will be filled with excitement, and there will be a special surprise.

“We will also have a gift chain to load all of the donated presents onto the truck, the reciting of ”Twas the Night Before Finals’ by the Order of Omega seniors, and a special appearance by a man in a red suit,” Nixon said.

Order of Omega and Programming Council jointly put the event together this year.

“We have been meeting since September, and we have put many hours into making this event a success,” Nixon said.

Molly Hommerding, a senior early childhood education major, said it is important to help those in need during the holiday season and said she is glad students can give cheer through donating gifts to CPS.

“This project is an amazing opportunity to spread the Christmas spirit throughout the community of Fort Worth,” Hommerding said. “We are able to provide for those less fortunate than ourselves and remember the true reason for the season.