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Christmas arrived in Soldotna Wednesday. For the city and for the Warner family, the evening tree lighting outside the Central Emergency Services station in Soldotna marked the official beginning of the Christmas season.

Chris Warner, with 6-year-old daughter Cayce atop his shoulders, said the family has made somewhat of a tradition of beginning their holiday with the ceremony.

Cayce and her family were waiting in line to talk to Santa Claus -- she wants a pair of ice skates -- but afterward, the family said they planned to go home and light their own tree.

Cayce's favorite part of her family's tree lighting ceremony?

"When we put the angel on the top." She offered no comment on the city's tree lighting.

Bailey Lundell, 7, thought it was "cool when they lit all the trees."

Samual Meyers, 7, preferred the multicolored tree to the yellow ribbon tree.

"It looks really pretty," he said. "It has all sorts of different colors."

The main tree may have more colors, but the yellow tree serves a purpose. It is to honor the men and women who have defended their country.

"The city wants all that have served and are presently serving to know that we love and support you," Soldotna Mayor Peter Micciche said. "Our yellow beacon of hope that we will be lighting tonight is a small token that will remain lit here until all that are deployed return, and it is a memorial to all that have not returned in the past."

Pat Hawkins, the post commander of Soldotna's VFW chapter, called the yellow tree a "great honor."

"I hope we all remember the people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today," Hawkins said.

Inside the station, the kids were hoping Santa would not forget them.

Seth Ganley, 9, came prepared with a lengthy list that included a Lego set and a G.I. Joe.

"I came to see Santa," Ganley said.

Meyers also likes the gift exchange that comes with Christmas.

"I like getting presents and toys," Meyers said, sipping a hot cocoa. He also could have chosen to eat a brownie or cookie, which were amply available at the event.

Five-year-old Conner Reynolds was waiting to see Santa, but he was also waiting to be Santa. He donned a bright red stocking cap atop his head and revealed that he is Santa in training.

"I want to be Santa," he said.

There was also a free hayride available, but if you wanted to know about it, you apparently had to take the ride yourself.

"I'm not telling you," Matt said in a playful way. Oh well.

Santa took a ride himself, coming into the celebration inside a fire truck. Perhaps he came straight from the Christmas comes to Kenai parade? But most kids seemed to be onto his act.

"That's just the fake Santa," yelled one little girl.

The real one arrives Dec. 24. Regardless, Christmas has arrived in Soldotna.

Reporter Andrew Waite can be reached at andrew.waite@peninsulaclarion.com.