There are plenty of traditions around Clemson, from celebrating another 10-win season to trimming the tree, in addition to an interesting twist from Tigers coach Dabo Swinney: A rooftop meeting with Santa Claus, which Swinney has hosted each year since he arrived at Clemson in 2003.
The Santa tradition is a highlight, but this year has been a bit more exciting than the typical Swinney Christmas affair, thanks to the Tigers' 13-0 record and spot in the College Football Playoff. After the family finishes celebrating Christmas, it's all business, as the Tigers get set to take on Oklahoma with a national title game appearance at stake.
Santa Claus works the rooftop while Swinney works the crowd. Using a microphone tucked into his jacket, Swinney provides Santa, perched on the roof with an earpiece, the names and wish lists of everyone on the "nice" list.
Dozens of children line up to pass along their Christmas wishes and create a new season of memories.
The candy cane at Santa's feet is actually a long PVC pipe, and after Swinney passes along the wish lists for each child, Santa slips a few pieces of candy down the pipe and into the waiting hands of the kids below.
Swinney, sporting his wireless microphone and sucking on a lollipop, said his household always felt like that of the fictional Griswold family from "Christmas Vacation."
The women behind the event play a big part, too -- from Mrs. Claus helping out with the kids to Swinney's wife, Kathleen, bringing the event together each year.
Swinney's home is the staging area for Santa and his fans. The illuminated Frosty the Snowman has been in Swinney's family for more than 40 years -- one of the few possessions the Clemson coach has kept with him along every step of his journey.
Once inside the home, guests are welcomed with refreshments while surrounded by Clemson-themed Christmas decorations and memorabilia.
It's a community affair at the Swinney Christmas spectacular. Dozens of neighbors, family, friends and Clemson staff stop by to enjoy the event and pass along their Christmas wishes to Santa.