How do Americans decorate their houses with colorful Christmas lights at Christmas?

During the Christmas season, the U.S. consumer boom led to a boom in stores, shopping may make many people tired, but there is much more to the holiday than that.

For Americans, Christmas is a time of emotional exchange. Tyler Beasley, for example, is looking forward not only to Christmas but also to being reunited with his father, Marine Sergeant Rodney Beasley, who is stationed in Iraq. The sergeant didn't just show up unexpectedly in Little Tyler's classroom dressed as Santa Claus to add a touch of warmth to his surprise. Two weeks later, however, Sergeant Beasley had to return to Iraq to resume his duties.

Every year, the United States Marine Corps holds a grand Christmas toy drive to give gifts to children from underprivileged families. The nationwide program has reached millions of children by allowing volunteers to personally select items in mock stores.

People across the country celebrate Christmas in unique ways, but one community in Texas is particularly typical when families are decked out with colorful Christmas lights that make their homes look like fairy tales. Some families even incorporate current events and politics into their decorations, giving the holiday a deeper meaning. One owner said that the praise their decorations received from others made them feel the value and joy of their efforts: "Seeing people marvel at our creative decorations, we feel that all the hard work has paid off.