I was really surprised to see how many people in my area have their trees and outdoor lights up already. First time in the seven, nearly eight years we've been here that I've seen this. Last year it was the week leading up to Christmas before the street started looking more festive.
I can only think its a way of cheering people up, what with the non stop diet of doom and gloom in the media. And the fact that there's been major job losses in this area too, thanks largely to the banking collapse.
I think its great personally. We're all decorated (natch!) and its so nice to see this change, even if it is just this year. I won't be here next year to see if the same thing happens again as we'll be back in Canada, but I hope it will.
