Erika Koehn knows what she likes, and it’s the big Christmas tree adorning the Commons area in the CAW Student Centre.

“I love it,” said the third-year social work student of the eight-metre tree. “It spreads cheer at a stressful time of year, what with exams and assignments.”

The arboreal accent went up Wednesday and was decorated Thursday. It marks the beginning of a series of activities in the student centre to welcome the holidays, says Sandra Riccio-Muglia, director of programming.

A pop-up art shop will invite students to paint by numbers on Monday, December 4, and Santa will be on hand Tuesday for breakfast, a photo session, and some easy holiday baking. Events will begin both days at 10:30 a.m.