Walking through downtown Walpole, Mass., in the winter almost takes on “It’s a Wonderful Life” personality as people chat with each other on the bustling two-block small town, downtown streets and well-attended local progams and events happen with regularity.

Store and restaurant owners like the McAuliffes at The Raven’s Nest and Coffee Perch, Peter Betro at Betro Pharmacy, Greg and Ed at Walpole Music, Tom Kirwan of Finnegan’s Wake, Tom Dugdale at First Sandwich Shop, and Steve Butters at Butter Cafe and Bakery treat their customers like kings and queens and know many people on a first name basis. The town common during Christmas is especially pretty with its tall, lighted Christmas tree, Santa’s House and lighted decorations and decorated gazebo on the two adjacent town commons. A Walpole Winter Farmers Market, just outside the downtown, adds another great touch of small town New England to this southwest Boston suburb.

I took these photos just before a big snowstorm hit the area. While many people choose to capture the proverbial blanket of snow gracing a small New England town, I opted here for snow just covering the ground. I thought this gentle scene would show the softer side of a New England winter — plus, it was much easier navigating the area without all that snow!