I can't put mine up until the builders are finished as we won't have any space, they aren't starting til Monday and it could take up to two weeks. We are short on space in the house so I always get a small real tree, my sitting room is painted a deep red so the Christmas Tree looks great in it. I will post pics the moment they are done.
The whole outside lights thing only hit over here in the last couple of years but we are not doing any on our house, very few people do really, except in the competitive streets! PLEASE post pics of your outsides, I love the way you Americans really celebrate every holiday!