The Patriot

Issue date: 11/26/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Heather Cosson This Christmas tree is one of many holiday decorations adorning Magnolia Mall in Florence.

Media Credit: Heather Cosson Ole Saint Nick waits to hear children's wish lists at the mall.

With Black Friday marking the start of the holiday shopping season, signs of the Holidays are beginning to be seen around town.

In Magnolia Mall, Santa already can be seen surrounded by piles of toys and a large Christmas tree. Santa arrived at the mall Nov. 16 and will be there for photos and visits with children until Christmas.

FMU has begun to get in the holiday spirit, as well. With the end of the semester approaching, students already are making holiday plans.

"I've already done half of my Christmas shopping," sophomore Calvin Clark said. "(Christmas) is coming up really soon."

Organizations on campus also are preparing for the holidays.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is preparing to host a Kwanzaa celebration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the University Center.

Kappa Delta is feeling the holiday spirit, too. The sorority recently sponsored a Holiday Punch and Cookie Giveaway in Founders Hall Breezeway.

McLeod Hospital Systems hosted their second-annual Festival of Trees. The festival is a week-long fundraising event that benefits McLeod Children's Hospital. Decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, mantle decorations and centerpieces, open for the public and auctioned off at a silent auction, were donated by various organizations and companies.

For the second year in a row, a Christmas tree decorated by 103X radio station was auctioned off at the highest price at $2,600.

The Festival of Trees kicks off the festivities with "A Day with Santa." Families were invited to spend the day enjoying photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and other activities for children.

Christmas decorations already have been hung on many of the busier streets in Florence. On David McLeod Boulevard, the light posts have been wrapped with garland with Christmas lights attached.

Houses around town are beginning to display Christmas decorations, as well, and retailers have started pushing Christmas specials. Victoria's Secret has had their lingerie Santa suit on display for about a month, while other stores have been using commercials to advertise Christmas deals and remind shoppers to hit the stores soon because the holidays are around the corner.

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