Christmas prep is a December thing for me.. never in November but I always enjoy watching neighborhood activity and decorating around Thanksgiving, a large part of my seasonal celebration exploring the various light displays. Amazing how creative and festive they can be, and how different.
When I lived in Boston I loved strolling through the each neighborhood, especially in a light snowfall - the Boston Common & Garden, Beacon Hill, Italian North End, Boston Harbor, the Back Bay Newbury & Boylston Streets, Southie, Brookline, Cambridge and Harvard Square - each beautiful with unique charm.
Also about music: free Carol concerts at all the churches! Trinity does The Messiah every year, Old South Church in Copley Square, Arlington Street church, St. Stephen’s in the North End, many others…
Now I live in Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, lots of country roads, wooded areas, houses spaced apart so I drive around looking at the lights and decorations. My neighbor puts up a huge Snoopy lying on the roof of his red doghouse staring skyward
. It’s all about animals out here and they get lots of gifts and treats, apples, carrots, peppermint, special grain mixes and second cut hay.. and children special toys and homemade cookies, cakes, brownies..
Adult get-togethers are informal, large or small, with food, drink.
I love to visit the small country stores in the area (Our Kids Farm) etc. usually nicely decorated, feasts for the eyes and senses.
At home, I do wreaths and ribbons on the doorways, decorate the mantel with lights and Christmas cards, but no tree since it would not survive with the cats and dogs. Plenty of pine and bittersweet growing around to cut and stick in vases. That’s about it!
It’s also about foods too, stuff you don’t eat at any other time of year, eggnog, fancy chocolate, and dinner with all the trimmings. New Year’s a double shot of Drambuie over ice and Scotch shortbread.
One caveat… NO candles or fire in the fire place!! I stopped doing that long ago when my friend’s husband - a Boston firefighter - forbid her decorating with candles.. a sad reality
Fun thread!! I adore your displays CellarDweller
I did a similar celebration until my life became more pared down..
I do not decorate. As a matter of fact, I have lights that stay all year long.. but they are not xmas lights 
