It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As holidays are starting, people around the world are celebrating and displaying their excitement for the season by decorating their homes. Each one being distinct to their own style and traditions, some are passed on and inherited from many years prior and others are just starting out their own chain of heirlooms. That is why driving around one’s neighborhood during December feels like an art exhibition of its own. Let’s delve into the commons and traditions of this holiday season.

Indoor decorations

Many households are decorated inside with the center piece being the renowned Christmas tree. With bright lights, ornaments, either store-bought or homemade, tinsel, and garlands of all kinds, this season is always expected to be especially shiny. Table tops are usually decorated with figurines of deer, snowmen, and Santas. Some may even bring out of the attic their own collections of heirlooms like a ceramic snowy village or a railroad that wraps around the Christmas tree. These are often passed down from one generation to another. Other Christmas staples include stockings hung over the fireplace waiting to be filled with snacks and other goodies on Christmas Day. Presents are set out in bags or  wrapped in festive paper and bows. Elf on the Shelf is another fun tradition, filling family houses with friendly chaos and havoc all throughout December. With candles lit and festive tunes playing,the holiday spirit is in the air all around the world.

Outdoor decorations

Houses and towns are decorated in celebration of the season with bright lights both colorful and simple. Despite Florida being known for their not quite festive palm trees, they are still decorated with lights to look like candy canes or Christmas trees. With stores and buildings having garlands and lights with Christmas and holiday displays in each window, the tourists and locals are always overjoyed to see such beautiful decorations when shopping or simply driving by. As neighborhoods have each house decorated with lots of lights, garlands, figurines and inflatables— some more simple and others more extravagant— anything from a small celebration to a family gathering is guaranteed to be full of fun times and warm memories.

Overall, holiday decorations have connected and brought together many people over the years. Displaying the spirit of the season will always remain everyone’s favorite tradition.