COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford has opened the holiday season in South Carolina, lighting the Christmas tree on the Statehouse grounds.

About 6,000 people attended the 38th annual Gov.'s Carolighting ceremony Sunday evening.

The nearly hour-long ceremony featured hundreds of singers and bell ringers before Sanford and his sons flipped the switch to light the tree.

The 45-foot Leyland cypress suffered from excessive trimming as it was placed on the grounds earlier this month. Organizers filled gaping holes at the base with smaller trees and artificial Christmas gifts. Tiny, multicolored lights replaced the white lights that have been traditionally used.

The holiday season is about giving and family traditions, Sanford said. The governor also urged South Carolinians to remember the nation's troops serving in a time of war.

"Christmas is about other people and it's about the joy that comes from doing something nice," Sanford said. "It's about getting outside ourselves."

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/