Annual Xmas Train Lighting Ceremony

The Christmas season is celebrated by some through the wearing of decorative clothing.

Although the month and date of Jesus' birth are unknown, the church in the early fourth century fixed the date as December 25. This corresponds to the date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.[from wikipedia]

The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins.[from wikipedia]

Photographs that capture the mood of Christmas

Because Christmas falls just after the winter solstice, it is generally dark early. As a consequence, one of the main decorations of Christmas is lights.

Some buildings invest in decor used annually.

Roughly speaking, Noe Valley is bounded by 21st Street to the north, Randall Street to the south, Dolores Street to the east, and Grand View Avenue to the west. The Castro (Eureka Valley) is north of Noe Valley; the Mission District is east. [from wikipedia]

The occasional ornament that either is hung on a tree, or appears near to a tree.

A gift or a present is an item given to someone without the expectation of payment or anything in return. An item is not a gift if that item is already owned by the one to whom it is given. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. [from wikipedia]

Signs conveying information about services and facilities, such as maps, directories, instructional signs or interpretive signage used in museums, galleries, zoos, parks and gardens, exhibitions, tourist and cultural attractions that enhance the customer's experience.[from wikipedia]

Major snow-prone areas include the polar regions, the northernmost half of the Northern Hemisphere and mountainous regions worldwide with sufficient moisture and cold temperatures.[from wikipedia]

Sparkle is a 1976 American musical drama film directed by Sam O'Steen and released by Warner Bros. Pictures. [from wikipedia]

Stairs is a structure designed to bridge a large vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical distances, called steps. Stairs may be straight, round, or may consist of two or more straight pieces connected at angles.[from wikipedia]

The Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star,[1] appears in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew chapter 2 where "wise men from the East" (Magi) are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem.[from wikipedia]

A statue is a free-standing sculpture in which the realistic, full-length figures of persons or animals are carved or cast in a durable material such as wood, metal or stone. [from wikipedia]

In modern usage, stocking specifically refers to the form of hosiery configured as two pieces, one for each leg (except for American and Australian English, where the term can also be a synonym for pantyhose).[from wikipedia]

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer suchas spruce, pine, or fir or an artificial tree of similar appearance,associated with the celebration of Christmas. The modern Christmas treewas developed in early modern Germany (where it is today calledWeihnachtsbaum or Christbaum) with predecessors that can be traced"long before the advent of Christianity" with ancient peoples who "hungevergreen boughs over their doors and windows."[from wikipedia]

to open (something wrapped): Sheila unwrapped the Christmas presents quickly.[from dictionary.com]

A treatment ranging from simple to elaborate, the valance is a piece of decorative fabric usually hung from a rod, a piece of decorative hardware or a board. Valances can take on many shapes: scalloped, layered, pointed, arched, pleated, shaped, gathered, tailored, grommet top.[from wikipedia]

The first display windows in shops were installed in the late 18th century in London, where levels of conspicuous consumption were growing rapidly. Retailer Francis Place was one of the first to experiment with this new retailing method at his tailoring establishment in Charing Cross, where he fitted the shop-front with large plate glass windows. Although this was condemned by many, he defended his practice in his memoirs, claiming that he "sold from the window more goods...than paid journeymen's wages and the expenses of housekeeping.[from wikipeida]

A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. In English-speaking countries, wreaths are used typically as household ornaments, mainly as an Advent and Christmas decoration. They are also used in ceremonial events in many cultures around the globe. Wreaths have much history and symbolism associated with them. They are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as laurel wreath.[from wikipedia]