Each year as Christmas approaches the air seems to be charged with expectation and a good feeling that is often hard to describe.
Almost everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, celebrates during the month of December.
For Christians it is the commemoration of the birth of Christ.
For non-Christians it is a time to visit with family and friends.
For both it is the time of year that is often referred to as magical.
The commercialization of Christmas is often criticized, but shopping is an important and central activity to some of the intangible magic of Christmas.
In the malls or downtown stores many of the favorite sights, sounds and scents of Christmas can be experienced.
The decorations found at malls and other retail establishments are usually very fanciful and eye-catching, especially to children.
Almost everyone finds the many colorful twinkling lights enchanting.
Both adults and children like to look at the numerous tinsels, baubles and figures such as snowmen, nutcrackers, angels and little babies that adorn the main Christmas tree in the center of shopping malls.
Beautiful trees are also prominently displayed in the stores and restaurants.
Decorators seem to always outdo the previous year's decorations..
Trees in commercial places are usually extremely well embellished with decorations that are arranged in a very professional way that most shoppers can't replicate in their own homes.
Shoppers often stop and stare at these trees in wonder.
The sounds of the season are all around in addition to the beauty and variety of decorations in retail establishment.
Music playing, bells ringing, laughter and the wishes of "Merry Christmas" from shoppers also create a special atmosphere and adds to the magic of Christmas.
As strange as it may seem even the sound of cash registers in the background adds something to the special feeling shoppers have at Christmas time.
For children the highlight is most likely seeing and talking to Santa Claus.
Added to the fun is having their picture taken with him.
Santa may even give a small Christmas present to children, telling them that because they have been very good they are getting an extra special early Christmas gift.
A visit with Santa is something that they look forward to every year during the Christmas season.
In addition to the music being played there is also often the sound of music from choirs or school groups who give open performances singing Christmas carols.
This is a popular activity for many different sites during the Christmas season.
People will frequently pause to listen or to sing along with these groups.
Shopping is undoubtedly an enjoyable activity for most people during Christmas, but merrier and more memorable times are enjoyed when time is spent with family, friends and colleagues during the season.
Before Christmas Day arrives, there usually are parties at home and at work, an evening out with friends and other occasions to get together and share the spirit of Christmas.
Special Christmas music and people dressed in holiday attire provide a different atmosphere from that of the rest of the year and contribute to the magical feeling of the season.
Another thing that is different during the Christmas season is the wonderful smells that come from a fresh Christmas tree, or gingerbread and other cookies baking.
Most people who select a real Christmas tree instead of an artificial one for their homes do so because of its good smell.
For many people, that scent from a Christmas tree is what puts Christmas magic into everything else.
All these events, activities, happenings, sights, sounds and scents of Christmas help to create special and unforgettable memories.
Few can deny that a pleasant memory is always something that is truly magical.