The air was cold but hearts were warm with Christmas cheer Sunday night in Coaldale.

Christmas season officially kicked off in the borough as several dozen community members turned out for the town's annual tree lighting event.The ceremony was sponsored by

C.H.O.S.E. (Church, Home, Organization, School, Environment), a nonprofit Coaldale community organization.Guests kicked off the night by singing numerous Christmas carols such as "Joy to the World," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "White Christmas."The carols ended with a rendition of "Black Christmas," hearkening back to the days when the area buzzed with coal mining activity.As the crowd sang, the tree outside Coaldale Borough Hall was lit, beckoning the holiday season, which Coaldale Council Vice President Claire Remington called a time of "giving and sharing.""Please take time to think about what you can do, not just at the holiday season, but throughout the upcoming year," she said. "Try to make a positive difference in someone's life. That can be the greatest gift of all."Before too long, the sound of sirens could be heard several blocks away.Several Coaldale Fire Department engines rounded onto Third Street, and once stopped, Santa exited one and headed for a seat next to the tree.A line of children formed to sit on his lap and discuss their Christmas wishes."It's a fun way to get the season started and the kids love it," said Jeannette Martin.Inside borough hall, cookies and hot chocolate were available as well as a reindeer food bar with goodies to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve.C.H.O.S.E. has another Christmas event coming up on Dec. 11.From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coaldale Complex, it will be hosting its first Who-Dale. Children 12 and under can have a free brunch, play games and meet the Grinch.