A long-running Christmas tradition at WTOK ends this year.

Newscenter 11 typically shares lots of Christmas music on Good Morning Meridian leading up to the holiday. But over the years, one group, Pine Forest Day Care in Collinsville, has kept coming back.

Sadly, this Christmas is their last to sing with us as a group, because the day care is closing in May 2012. Several factors played a part in Pine Forest Baptist Church making the decision, including the retirement of long-time director Kay Townsend and needing more Sunday School space.

For the past three decades, the WTOK family has been proud to present these tiny choir members performing some of their favorite songs.

"This being the last year, it's kind of bittersweet," said Dewayna Roberts, former student and current kindergarten teacher. "I started out my first year coming to the TV station the first year they came, and now being able to end with them."

Parents took time to reflect on the memories of when they were part of this annual tradition.

"It was so long ago, it's hard to remember but it has been almost 30 years," said Chris Mason, former student, whose child is now in the class. "I remember doing the program, and I remember, was Joseph one year in the play. So it was fun."

"Back in 1985, I actually came here with Pine Forest Day Care, and sang on the exact same stage as you see, and I think the same aprons, bows, and everything," said Josh Todd, former student whose child is also in the class. "Twenty-six years later, having my kids come here and do the same thing, is a pretty good thing."

Townsend says the past thirty years, 29 as director, have been wonderful.

"Oh, it has been a pleasure, and a pain, too, but we've enjoyed every minute of it," said Townsend. "I wouldn't take nothing for none of it. I've loved every one of them and I love every one of them now."

WTOK thanks Pine Forest Day Care for thirty years of Christmas memories.