Poll: how much is too much?

This Christmas Season I've noticed several houses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to decorations. Garnished lawns jam-packed with characters and blinking lights have caused me sensory-stimulation-overloads and driving distractions. And it's made me stop and contemplate the reasons behind the dramatic ornamentation. Perhaps it's a "keeping up with the Joneses" complex, a tangible reflection of the American tendency to think "the bigger the better," or maybe it has to do with parents feeling pressure from their kids. But whatever the case, outdoor decorating for the holidays has become quite the endeavor and expense.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love Christmas decorations; I think they add so much to the season and festivities. But when do they cross the line from tasteful to tacky? Or is there no longer a line? How much is too much?





And another thing: what's with all the inflatable Christmas decorations* that are in yards these days? How do you all feel about those things? I'd love to hear your input, especially if you're a regular blog-reader who's just never left a comment (*cough* randy). You can use the following options to indicate your opinion, or just create your own:

a. They're terrible and tacky. If there was one in my neighborhood I would pop it with an ice pick.

b. I live next door to an inflatable-character owner, and I don't mind. But that doesn't mean I want one in my yard.

c. I love 'em! What did we ever do without them? Christmas is so much more Christmas-y with those guys around! I wish I could afford to buy one for my yard.

d. Hey! How'd you get a photo of my house?






*Inflatable Christmas decorations are "highly visible, festive, novelty items that add excitement and fun to your front yard. They are basically giant nylon or vinyl balloons. They can crown any piece of your property, from the peak of your roof to your snowy driveway. They are made of heavy-duty material to withstand all kinds of weather, including sleet and frost.You can purchase them deflated in a carrying case, and then inflate them for seasonal use. Inflatables are a perfect choice for Christmas, since they can be snugly tucked away in a closet or garage until next December...
An electrical pump accompanies new inflatable Christmas decorations. You have probably seen many varieties of inflatable Christmas decorations as you did your holiday shopping or brought peanut brittle to your neighbors. There is Santa Claus waving, sitting atop a sleigh, popping out of an inflatable chimney, or holding Mrs. Claus's hand. A vignette could be created with a Nutcracker, Christmas tree, and a gift-laden train. Or you could position a snowman to watch the elves as they tie Rudolph and the other reindeer to the sleigh.Since they are designed to attract attention outdoors, these novelty items are usually quite large. A candy cane could reach up to 10 ft (3 m).
A penguin and polar bear would dwarf the real creatures. Even inflatable Christmas decorations in the shape of your favorite cartoon character could tower above the trees. Best of all, they can be outfitted with small light bulbs, so they are just as merry at night as they are during the day." (taken from an online ad for Inflatable Christmas decorations)

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for your insight. I just want to understand the world around me better, and your comments help.

Merry Christmas, from my scantily-decorated house. :)