One of the best ways to spend a chilly winter night is wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate – watching the snow fall and admiring the holiday decorations.

Winter paints a lovely scene outside the window. In the backyard, bushes are covered with a blanket of white. The leafless trees cast blue and purple shadows on the freshly fallen snow.

Inside, everything is decorated festively. Holly-red candles flicker in each of the windows. The Christmas tree – a six-foot Fraser fir – fills the living room with the smell of fresh evergreen. Multi-colored lights twinkle merrily and reflect off the silver tinsel wound around the tree. Its ornaments are a mix of family heirlooms and multi-colored baubles. On top of the tree is a light-up gold star – a reminder of the Star of Bethlehem.

Across the street, the neighbors have a small wreath hung on their front door, its red bow and colorful ornaments dusted with snow. A Christmas tree glows warmly in their front window, illuminating a patch of ground outside.

Bright, colorful decorations – and the meaningful traditions behind them – have been an important part of the winter season for many years. They celebrate the holidays and bring warmth and happiness during the coldest time of the year.

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