Christmas lights and the Economic Downturn

I am in Australia also and I would not have guessed by loking around me that there is a financial melt down to be honest. People are spending like crazy (I hardly go out shoping now days because I am pregnant and dont want to push thru the crowds and wait in line to pay). The usual houses that were decorated last year are decorated this year as well. We did it last year and the bill was not higher by much. This year we are not doing it because my husband needs my help a lot to do it and i cant help so we will do what we can without involving me much.

IMO, I think people just want to be reminded about the season to be jolly despite the economic depressions we're having. Here in the Philippines, most of the people are lower class but some still take time to adorn their homes with Christmas lights. Call it escapism, if you will. Cheers~

Things are going on as usual in my neighborhood. My brother-in-law puts up his lights right after Thanksgiving and they're up. He wasn't really up to doing it since he just had most of his throat removed due to throat cancer but his boys helped him since the grandkids expect to see the house all lit up. The neighbor up the street from him put his up today. My daughter, who lives nextdoor to me, was putting some up this evening and we'll be putting ours up either this weekend or next. There is a very large display that normally goes up about half a mile away and I am wondering if they'll put all those lights up again this year but, other than them, I think everyone who normally puts lights up in my area, will.