I think that my tree would not be considered Christmas-y if the ornaments are taken off and the lights are kept on. I think to just looks wintry. I am also keeping up decorations that say "let it snow", and I am keeping up any snowman without holly berries or presents in their hands.
The tree looks wintry in my opinion. It looks pretty with the lights and brings the room together. It gives off a warm ambiance, unlike that of fluorescent lighting.
I've taken all ornaments off except for gold snowflakes and I've left the silver tinsel garland on as well as the lights. It looks wintry to me still. I will probably be taking the whole tree down by the end of this month to prepare for Valentine's Day decorating. (Yes, I pretty much decorate my apartment for every holiday—sue me).
There's nothing like coming downstairs and seeing those lights sparkling.
Or coming inside from a dreary, rainy day outside and seeing them light up the room in a calm, warm, and comforting glow.
Or having a bad day, looking up, and seeing them shine.
It sort of makes me upset when I come downstairs and see that someone has unplugged them, to be honest.
I guess they don't see it as I do.
Pretty, twinkling lights forever!