Christmas is a unique time of the year because of the joy and indescribable magic that fills everybody?s hearts. Its manifestation is in the beautiful decorations and wonderful get-togethers that families and friends share among themselves. The joy of giving and receiving gifts from loved ones makes it even more auspicious.

Though some regret the commercialization of Christmas but shopping and exchanging presents and greeting cards is an essential part of the festive season.

The ornamentations at the various malls and shops are often fancy and eye catching; the twinkling lights are attractive to children and adults alike. The center of many shopping complexes and departmental stores are adorned with huge Christmas trees that are decorated with figurines such as angels and fairies, tinsels and baubles. The professionally decorated trees are immensely ornamented and almost impossible for the shoppers to replicate it at their homes. Thus it is a delight for them to gaze at these trees with amazement and delight at the same time.

What makes the atmosphere more magical and enchanting is the ringing of bells, sounds of laughter and chatter that comes from the shoppers and people wishing each other Merry Christmas. The clicking sound of the cash registers in the background is almost like an addition to the special feeling that shoppers have during the season of Christmas.

Another essential of the season is of course Santa Claus with whom children meet and ask what they want as Christmas present; they can also have photographs taken. Often Santa Clause gives away Christmas gifts to children telling them that as they have been good all year long they are getting an early Christmas.

A big part of the Christmas magic lies in telling exciting stories to children about the various fascinating adventures of Santa Claus, it gives them joy if can meet the jolly old man in person. Once children are told stories about Santa Claus it becomes something that children look forward to every year.

The different choir groups often sing Christmas carols and give open performances that never fails to enchant a passerby or the families who are out shopping. The sound of music makes the atmosphere even more enlightened.

There are many special scents of Christmas time that fills the air and the hearts of people at the same time. The smell of different food preparations, baking cookies and gingerbread make the occasion even more special. Many people choose to buy a real Christmas tree instead of an artificial one is because of the unique smell from the tree that fills the air. Chestnuts being roasted over open fire provides for another unique scent of the season. Families roasting chestnuts at home is a very rare incident but one often gets the smell at the various bakeries that do so every day during the Christmas season.

All the sights, scents, sounds and happenings during Christmas create unforgettable memories. And no one can deny that these memories are something that is truly magical.