While President Bush lit the White House Christmas tree, Gov. Frank Keating spent time with children from area elementary schools during his final holiday tree lighting festival in office.

Hundreds of children of all ages filled the Capitol for the festival. The elementary school children decorated 44 small Christmas trees, with themes ranging from "Harry Potter" to the United States of America to Oklahoma.

Tracy Rich, third grade teacher from Northern Hills Elementary School in Edmond, said her class decided on the Chris Van Allsburg book "The Polar Express" for the theme of their tree.

During the evening, the Keatings traveled with Santa Claus to each of the Christmas trees decorated by the elementary classes.

"It's very exciting to have to go up to the governor and get to meet him," said Cassadie Cargill, 9. She is a student in Rich's class.

Some children were more excited to see Santa Claus than to see the governor and first lady Cathy Keating.

Northern Hills Elementary had six trees, one for each third grade class, decorated for the holiday event. Kathleen Harris' class made ornaments for its "Magic of Christmas" tree with "Harry Potter" decorations.

"We chose six children by pulling their name out of the hat and their families came with us to decorate it," Harris said.

One of the moms, Heather Tomaszewski, said the event will bring a special memory for the holiday because of the once-in-a-lifetime event.

"We're actually a military family, and I can tell you this is something my kids will remember," Tomaszewski said. "It will be something special from Oklahoma to come down here and do this."

Music from the Roosevelt Middle School choir and the Tuttle Middle School orchestra entertained during the festival.

Families gathered around the steps of the south end of the Capitol to watch the governor light the 40-foot white fir tree, imported from Oregon.

The holiday tree lighting festival was started by the Keatings seven years ago.

"What truly makes this holiday season so special is being here with each of you on the steps of this beautiful and magnificent Capitol building during this special holiday season," Cathy Keating said to the crowd.

Surrounded by kids, whom Gov. Keating called his special elves, he said the final festival as governor was a special moment.

"It has been a lot of fun," he said. "I am obviously wistful about not being able to do it again."

He praised Oklahoma's diverse culture that came out to celebrate the diversity around a holiday tree.

"This season of the year, we can celebrate each other and the opportunities we have," he said.

Before Gov. Keating left, he had one Christmas wish.

"The best holiday wish is that we have peace on earth," he said. This is a time of tension and a lot of talk of war, he said.

"I think every life is precious, every life is important," Gov. Keating said.
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