We went artificial when I was 11 and never looked back. DH has major allergies, so a tree in the house--nope, can't happen. Plus, the idea of the whole country and all of Europe and who knows where else cutting down so many trees each year--a waste of usable land to grow trees only to be cut down and then thrown away, well, that doesn't appeal. I was supposed to be home and off this year, so I was going to decorate with Dickens houses and a toy train we have, but...I look forward to a pretty Christmas house next year.
In the apartment I'm staying while I'm working, I bought a swag that looks nice on the coffee table and a candle in a jar for scent. It's been just 3 of us for years. We're pretty much agnostics but always did enjoy the presents and the stockings and the Santa thing, and it is a good excuse for the family to do things together and stop working on projects for one day, and share a special meal. I usually make ham (Turkey ham), but this year I'm making slow cooked smoky flavored oven baby back ribs--Yum!