I put my tree up about 10 days before Christmas but only because the grandchildren come 4 times a week and I let them help trim the tree, I think as you get older you tend to tone it down a bit, I had to buy a new tree last year because my old one kept falling over, so I bought one that had both lights and  fibre optics so you don't need to put too much on it.

I think those who light the whole front of their homes (up enough to run the national grid) are trying to outdo their neighbours and have been watching too much American tv, personally I like a little less and to remember what Christmas is really about.
                                                                                                                                        Wendy