Instead of a red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus was joined tonight at Holy Rosary School by a green-suited Gator. The school’s mascot was there for the “Deck the Halls” celebration, featuring the ceremonial Christmas-tree blessing by Father John Madigan:

The school’s Christmas-tree lot (a seasonal WSB sponsor) is on the north side of the campus, raising money for the school and local charities through December 14th. Tonight’s celebration also filled the halls with holiday music:

That’s the 6th-grade choir. Instrumentalists included Brian on the dobro:

Christmas is also the season of sweets, and a tempting table of desserts was at the ready:

And a chance to mingle:

Or get that Santa photo (once the Gator moved on):

(Tonight’s photos, we’re told, will turn up here.) The spirit of the season was also celebrated with a collection of food donations.