Today was a cool, wet fall walk in the Crestwood area, just south of the Arboretum. Houses here were nearly universally well-kept, with lots of sprawling ranch houses on large lots. With Thanksgiving behind us and a nice weekend, Christmas decorations are now clearly present. It’s an interesting time of year, as seasonal decorations, and especially “holiday season” decorations, provide a unique opportunity for residents to address the street. While landscaping can provide expression, but seasonal decorations can provide a more positive expression of welcoming. On a chilly, dark afternoon, there are a few things that can make a house look welcoming. It felt like just about any seasonal decoration will do this, but evidence of life behind doors–lights in windows, also helps. This neighborhood did feel warm today–not just the houses, but the presence of a lot of people on the street, walking dogs or just out for a casual stroll, made this possible.