The holiday season is here

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  For many, the month of December signals the beginning of the winter holidays, where communities instill their traditions and customs during the season.

Team Seymour has marked the beginning of the holiday season with back-to-back annual events, a holiday parade Dec. 1, and a holiday tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2.

More than five base organizations participated in the parade, which went through about three miles of base housing.

"The (holiday) parade was a great event to see," said Airman Nichole Masche, 4th Force Support Squadron services apprentice. "Seeing all the different base units come together and ride through base housing spreading holiday cheer was very uplifting."

Hundreds of Team Seymour members gathered in the Xchange parking lot to view the traditional lighting of the holiday tree. The event also featured live musical performances by children from the youth center, a toy-giveaway and horse-drawn carriage rides.

"The tree lighting ceremony almost brought me to tears," said Airman 1st Class Skyler Tennant, 4th FSS service apprentice. "After being deployed for a while and finally coming back for the holiday season, it's awesome to see all my friends and enjoy the festivities here."

Santa Claus assisted Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, in lighting the tree. Afterward, he sat by the tree for photo opportunities and to speak with children about their holiday wishes.

There will be a holiday parade in downtown Goldsboro, N.C., on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Leavitt will be the grand marshal in the parade.