Perhaps we grew out of the habit when working in the Gulf. It was not even possible to buy Christmas cards legally in Saudi Arabia twenty-five odd years ago. Having a tree simply seemed a silly extravagance when working a decade in Bahrain and the UAE. So much of what we consider seasonal has more to do with paegan German rites and Madison Avenue than anything remotely religious.
At present, I do keep a box of decorations. It's about the size of the ones that office paper comes in. I do have to admit liking taking it out of the closet in December and returning it re-packed on New Years Day. This year however, it may not see the light of day. We've got carpet being replaced, counter tops going in, and blinds being hung in December. We're also leaving on Christmas Eve to New York City. We'll be watching the ball drop in Times Square.
I guess those few things can remain boxed up this year.