Here in deciduous-tree country (trees with leaves that fall off in autumn and don't grow back till spring), I cope by hanging colorful decorative flags in my windows so I'm not looking out at bare branches. I've got flags for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter and Easter, with a couple for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day (I'm really "into" holiday decorations!), so I'm not looking at the same flags for half a year.

I'm sure some of my neighbors think I'm weird, but I've gotten compliments from some of them, too. Those decorative plastic "window clings" or other window dressing (even some bright curtains!) would work as well, I'm sure.

But Joe Offer makes a good point when he mentions song circles: don't isolate yourself; be sure to have fun with friends when the weather allows it! When you're snowed in, use the 'net or a phone to stay in touch, or *gasp* write a letter!