By Mary Will Showman |Staff writerThe holiday season kicked off on Augusta University’s Summerville campus on Dec. 2. That's when the annual Christmas tree lighting was held in front of the Maxwell Theatre and University Hall.Per tradition, the tree was lit by President Brooks Keel and his wife, Tammie Schalue, after attendees had the pleasure of being serenaded by members of an a cappella group made up of talented performers from AU's Health Sciences campus.Lively music filled the air as kids took turns on the ice skating rink and had their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus while their parents enjoyed the free hot chocolate, coffee and cider to keep everyone warm.The evening also had Christmas activities that included cookie decorating, creating handmade ornaments, writing letters to Santa and face painting.The event was open to all university students as well as everyone in the surrounding Summerville neighborhood. The tree of lights now shines bright at the front of campus for all to enjoy each day after sunset. Contact Mary Will Showman at MSHOWMAN@augusta.edu.