I'm noticing more outdoor lights going up around the neighborhood, bringing a more cheerful demeanor in general. I cleaned off my front porch (moved in a small glider swing that had an increasingly weathered tarp over it) and am going to add another string there to balance the yard a bit (so far there are lights just in one corner).

Still no tree for my house, only ornaments on the mantle and hanging a tree-like object in the form of a large round basket in a macrame support that has lights running around it. I put small gifts in the basket for a festive appearance. I've recently rearranged the den so I might have to find a new spot for it this year.