Although winter is identified by its harshness, many forget to remember the warmth that encapsulates it — a warmth not found in any other season. It exists in small moments, like warm hugs, warm mugs and warm encounters.

Once the holidays rolled around this year, Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits transformed into a whimsical festive display complete with life-sized “gingerbread” details, floating presents, Whoville-style décor and this year, an igloo home to plush penguins.

At nightfall, Cameron Park Zoo transforms into a brilliantly-lit Christmas wonderland complete with photo opportunities, food trucks and a visit from Santa Claus for the zoo’s annual Wild Lights event.

Don’t know what to get that one friend for Christmas this year? Look to the stars — or more so, hop on Google and figure out what their zodiac is. Then, look no further than this page for a perfect gift.

Long wishlists and tight deadlines aren’t the only things stacked against consumers this holiday season. Prices are rising due to a policy put in place by Washington over the past year.

Nearly 35% of Waco’s residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, a demographic that comes to light during the Christmas season when families prepare festive food, drinks and decor.

In anticipation of the coming Christmas holiday, Baylor’s advancement office is encouraging alumni with daily Advent devotionals, featuring reflections from 24 Baylor staff, faculty and students, plus an introductory message from President Linda Linvingstone.

Downtown Waco glistened with holiday cheer this weekend as Waco Wonderland returned to Heritage Square for its 13th year, drawing large crowds of families, students and local vendors. With the ferris wheel lighting up Austin Avenue, expanded food truck options and a busy Mistletoe Market, this year’s event blended familiar traditions with new features that kept visitors circulating through the plaza.

“Students have the opportunity to speak a little bit of Portuguese, or if they don’t speak it, they can hear it, which helps them a lot,” Costa said. “This is about not only language, but also community and friendship as well.”

The cold front came just in time for Christmas on Fifth. Despite rain concerns, Christmas on Fifth continued in full swing, drawing students out of their dorm and families from staying at home. Students said the Christmas spirit was infectious, helping ease stress around finals.

Who needs studying when there are all these fun holiday events in Waco this weekend? Just kidding — don’t neglect hitting the books, but sneak a little fun into your study breaks by exploring all that downtown has to offer.

By Caleb Garcia | Photographer & Sam Gassaway | Photographer

Five Waco hot spots were put to the ultimate hot chocolate test. Each beverage was ranked on a scale of 1-10, with 5 being the average point, on its creativity, affordability, presentation and taste. Here are the results.

Carroll Science will transform into Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for one night only—here’s what you’ll see inside.

With emotions running high, engagement in slow, thoughtful activities such as crafting can provide the fun de-stressor your mind is craving.

One of the nation’s most iconic Christmas traditions, “The Nutcracker,” will be making its way to Baylor on Dec. 14 for an annual on-campus performance, featuring the Waco Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Frontier and young local Waco performers.

The residents of Mountainview neighborhood in Waco decided to take a unique and heartwarming approach to show holiday festiveness this year by creating a multiple-street Santa village within the neighborhood.

Elvis Presley may have passed away 46 years ago, but Elvis Tribute Artist Al Joslin continues to keep the King of Rock and Roll’s legacy alive to bring joy to others.

But every kid with divorced parents knows the dread that creeps in as the weather grows colder and the days get shorter. It’s the dread of having to choose: Which parent will I wake up with on Christmas morning, and which one will wake up alone?

Snowfall in central Texas is far in few between, but this year’s Christmas on 5th celebration was the perfect winter wonderland.

“Even before the light dawns, he is on his way,” Moore said. “He hears you in the darkness. You just keep making a sound, and you’re safe. You’re safe. You’re going to be fine because he is on his way.”

From classic gifts to out-of-the-box ideas to hobby-based subscriptions, these shopping recommendations are bound to warm the heart of the recipient based on what they love in life. Tailor to your loved ones’ quirks this Christmas with this interest-based holiday gift guide.

The light attraction park is open from 6-10 p.m. every night from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30 and is located right off of I-35 in West. This Christmas attraction allows people to drive their vehicles through a 25-minute seasonal light display. The park also has activities for children, such as a petting zoo, pony rides for children, writing letters to Santa, watching Christmas movies, pictures with real life Santa and more.

“There’s a magic about experiencing it first-hand that photos just can’t capture,” she said.

“This year, we’re taking it a step further with special effects, adding even more excitement to the event,” Edara said. “We’re also thrilled to bring snow to Christmas on Fifth this year, adding an extra layer of holiday magic.”

Real families have issues. They have tense meals and strained relationships. Being at school doesn’t fix those things; it just helps us forget about them. Regardless of the issues, our families are still our families. And what’s a better time to express our love for them than the holidays?

This holiday season, let’s try and change the conversation to something beyond how many pounds we’ve lost or gained. Shifting the focus onto other things can not only be for you, but also for other people in the room who don’t know how to speak up.

With a little ingenuity and some dedication, it’s easy to transform your dorm or apartment into a festive space without spending much. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, turn on your favorite holiday playlist and start decking the halls.

“Every week, a month before Christmas, we light a candle in our house to anticipate the coming of Christ,” Mackenzie said. “It is a fun tradition that we do to point the meaning back to the real reason of Christmas.”