Mystery Tree

I don't know what this tree is, but I find it very interesting.  Among all the other deciduous trees in the forests around here that basically dump all or almost all of their leaves to the forest floor in the fall, these little trees stubbornly hang on to just about every leaf all winter long and don't loose them until they are pushed off by next year's growth in the spring.  They are seldom over eight to ten feet tall, but their beautiful golden leaves provide the only color in a barren woods of grays and blacks.  If you know what it is, please tell me.