I live in a row of about 15 terraced houses, and if one house puts up a whole menagerie of coloured lights, santa's, snowmen and reindeers.. well, it just looks bloody stupid.

Living where I do, understated is better. I think the grand houses around here look pretty when decorated with tastefull lights (pale blues, lilacs, white) but the small houses (when over-done) just look - garish.

After having said all that, it is Christmas, and it's nice to see people making an effort. When I was little I wished that people would light up their houses like they did in the States.. and well.. now it's catching on... for better or for worse.