FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Holiday celebrations are kicking off all over the country and Fort Drum did it in style.

A couple hundred people gathered outside the main chapel on post for the lighting of the Christmas tree and Menorah. Santa was even on hand, arriving on a different sort of sleigh. Base officials say this is one of the time-honored traditions for families and it’s those spouses and kids who really need things like this to lift their spirits.

"No other employer says to their employees we want you to leave your wife and husband and children behind for a year, put your life in danger and then when you come back, we'll let you stay a year and then go again. So this rapid constant deployment is a special drain on the families,” said Captain Jonathan Morse, Fort Drum Chaplain.

This was the first year Fort Drum has had a Menorah display to go along with the Christmas tree.