Lyman Hall Elementary School students had a chance to bond with their families Thursday during the school’s 12 annual Ornament Night.

The event is a parent involvement activity that offers a chance to get together, according to Principal Claire Blanchard.

“I think we have such a good turnout because it’s just a fun night,” Blanchard said. “No, we’re not trying to teach them how to work with their children. It’s just a fun, family night, and our community needs that.”

Parent involvement coordinator Levonia LeCounte said 264 people attended the event. Christmas cookies were served, and attendees had the opportunity to take festive family photos.

Typically, Santa Claus makes an appearance at the event, but he was over-booked, Blanchard said.

Still, families said they enjoyed the night.

Savannah police officer Perneacia Banks-King joined her children, fifth-grader Devonte, third-grader Domonique and second-grader Desmond, in making ornaments.

“My mom really loves holiday ornaments, and she was like, ‘Oh Devonte, you really need to bring holiday ornaments from school,” the oldest said.

“I always keep them, since they were little,” Banks-King added. “I keep a collection of their homemade ornaments, … So I was asking them, I was like, ‘I haven’t seen y’all bring any ornaments home,’ — because I’ve had them since they were 3 when they started pre-K in Texas.”

The family is spending its first Christmas here since their father was stationed at Fort Stewart. Previously, they spent nine years at Fort Hood, Texas.

The children’s favorite part of the event?

“I love Christmas!” Domonique and Desmond squealed in unison.

“Cookies!” Devonte interjected.

For another family, Kelley Hytower and her children, eighth-grader Malik, fourth-grader Mia and third-grader Mya, the night was continuing a tradition forged since the family moved in 2009.

“We put them on the tree every year,” Hytower said.