COAL GROVE — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Village of Coal Grove thanks to some crafty fifth graders.

Representatives from each fifth grade homeroom at Dawson-Bryant Elementary School spent Wednesday morning decorating the nine and a half foot Christmas tree at the Jae Roush Community Building. The entire grade made ornaments for the occasion.

Each year, the Coal Grove Betterment Club invites students to the tree decorating to kick off the Christmas season. The club’s president, Vicki McDaniel, said the tradition has been ongoing for at least 15 years, and is something the children look forward to.

“It makes them feel important,” McDaniel said.

Fifth grade teacher Lee Ann Cremeans agreed.

“They love making the ornaments and being creative,” she said. “It is a good experience for them because they get to give back to the community. They get to learn about giving.”

The students worked diligently to find places on the tree for their homemade stars, candy canes, gingerbread men, penguins and elves. They also strung red and green paper chains.

The tree was topped with, what else, a Coal Grove Hornet.

It goes without saying that the students enjoyed a morning away from the classroom, but there were other high points.

“Being with friends is the best part,” said Adrienne Thomas.

Kristin Boshears agreed.

“The whole point is to have fun and being with your friends and do something fun with them,” she said.

The tree decorating is the first event to kick off the holiday season in Coal Grove. Friday, the village will have its annual parade, beginning at 6 p.m., which runs from the village townhouse to Paul Porter Park where the Betterment Club will serve cookies and hot chocolate made by village volunteers. The lighting of the park will also be after the parade.