Answer:
1) Clues: Winter wonderland, pine tree, dressed, twinkled
Inference: It's Winter around Christmas time.
2) Clues: Come alive, magically, good, bright as ever
Inference: They love this time of year and don't want it to go away.
3) Clues: Sadly shook head, torn wet paper, couldn't seem to find it
Inference: Maria can't find her homework.
4) Clues: Torn wet paper, shock her head, dog's water bowl
Inference: Maria's homework fell into the dog's water bowl
