My dad and I hate decorating for Christmas, so we strung lights around a decorative palm tree and we simply keep that up year-round. No assembly required. Don't ask, it was his idea-- he said he'd rather be reminded of being on the beaches of Florida instead of being in the middle of a snowstorm in rural-suburban Indiana. I guess it makes sense in a weird sort of way. Still, I don't have to decorate here, and that's always a plus.

My mom's house is a different story though. She likes to turn decorating into an all-day ordeal event. We first put up the tree, piece by piece, then we string it with a ton of lights, and then so many ornaments it's a wonder that the whole thing doesn't collapse on itself. Then she puts all of her Santa figurines (of which there are far too many) all over the house, and then puts a Nativity scene above our fireplace. Our house is an example of where secular and religious Christmas combines-- I'm really surprised she hasn't put a Santa figure with the wise men looking over baby Jesus' manger.

Much to my happiness, we don't decorate the outside of our house.

My favorite ornaments are the ones I don't have to put up. Alternately, my favorite ornaments go under the tree.