The holidays are just around the corner as this year's Christmas on Campus Kickoff passed by successfully.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 in KU Plaza, the Kickoff began by announcing the theme to this year's events. 'Love, Lights, and Laughter' was chosen for the 42nd annual Christmas on Campus.

The Kickoff began the opportunity to adopt a child for the Thursday, Dec. 8 festival. Over 1,200 children from Dayton-area schools are available for adoption. No specifics are given on the number of children adopted due to the changes in schools and the number of children available each year.

'There is no way to compare our numbers to previous years,' stated Amy Walton, coordinator of Christmas on Campus. 'Despite this fact, I am positive that the Kickoff was successful.'

Adoptions will continue in KU Lobby up until Thanksgiving break or until all of the children are adopted.

The Christmas on Campus Kickoff was also the first day people could buy the fundraising cookbooks and t-shirts. Tickets for Pub Night on Thursday, Nov. 3 were also sold.

'We held Pub Night as a fundraiser for the Dayton City Schools where we get the children from,' Walton said. 'We try to donate back so we are building relations with the community for the whole year.'

The first annual 5K run, called the Reindeer Trot, took place Saturday, Nov. 5 and included 185 participants who raised money for Christmas on Campus. This new event will continue next year due to the large turnout.

On Dec. 8, the committee will bring back an old Christmas on Campus tradition that was phased out over the years. In 1964, Christmas on Campus began as a candlelight walk. People from all areas of the campus processed with candles to KU Plaza. After the candlelight walk, there was a live nativity and Mass.

This year will be the candlelight walk's first return in many years. After the children are dropped off after the evening activities, all are invited to KU Plaza for snacks and a slideshow presentation of the evening. Afterwards all will process to Frericks Center with candles in preparation for the Musical Celebration of Christmas and Immaculate Conception Mass.

'Christmas on Campus has always been such a great tradition at UD,' Walton stated. 'The candlelight walk is not anything new we are starting. It is something we are continuing.'

Walton and the Christmas on Campus committee hope many will participate in this tradition.

'The only way it will be successful is if people know about it,' Walton said. 'Spread the word!'

Continuing events include an opening ceremony with a live nativity, the lighting of the 35-foot tree and the entrance of Santa. Also, crafts and entertainment will be provided in multiple locations throughout campus. A carnival will take place in the PAC. Certain choirs and student groups will perform throughout the evening.

The second general meeting for Christmas on Campus will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in the KU East Ballroom. This change was made from the original date of Nov. 8.

'We had to move the date for the second general meeting because of the Kickoff events,' Walton stated. 'Please mark this on your calendars and let others know of the change.'

At this meeting, the decorations committee will work on final details and set up volunteers. Everyone will be given a final opportunity to join committees and last-minute signups will take place. All are invited to attend.

For more information on Christmas on Campus, go to http://www.udayton.edu/~coc, call the office at x93483 or email coc@udayton.edu.