Outside, the air is cold and crisp, and the trees rest silently in their slumber against snow-laden hills. The family busily gathers evergreens in the countryside and places them atop a giant log that’s tugged on a long journey home. Inside, the air is incensed with gingerbread and freshly cut evergreen. Father places the Yule log on the hearth and soon a roaring fire begins to crackle.

Byers’ Choice carolers are festive and addictive to collect. Ours find a home on the piano every year in several variations.

Christmas trees come in all shapes, sizes and methods. Here are some of ours that were artificial, bought at the local garden center, shipped to the door via FedEx and just plain old curly willow twigs decorated for the season.

There is nothing more magical on a snowy night than the glow of Christmas lights. Truly, the effect is magical as the snow covers the ground it transports you to another world filled with magic and beauty.