SAN ANTONIO – You can take out your Christmas lights now; you won't be the first. The University of the Incarnate Word and Travis Park both flipped on their lights at lighting ceremonies Saturday evening.
Thousands packed UIW's Benson Stadium and welcomed in the Christmas season with prayer, music, fireworks and a cheerily lit campus.
"There's something about the dark of the beginning of winter and how much people love the lights," said Dr. Denise Doyle, UIW's acting president. "And so it draws people. They want to walk around our campus."
"Light The Way" is a 30-year tradition that lights the way back for UIW alumni and brings families and friends together.
"This is like the first time we've gotten together in like a long time with all of us," said UIW student Elijah Rodriguez in amidst a huddle of people.
Downtown, at Travis Park, people got into the holiday spirit beneath the lit up trees at the holiday lighting.
"Yeah definitely, especially now that the weather has cooled down a little bit; it feels more like the holidays," said Nasser Rodriguez.
But with more than a month to go, not to mention Thanksgiving, is it too early to start the Christmas season? Not according to the resident expert.
"Santa's always watching, and he's got elves everywhere," said toy maker and humanitarian, Santa Claus, who attended UIW's celebration. "And I'll tell you, we're watching all the good boys and girls and we're definitely making a good list. So, it's never too early."