We prefer to keep the fibre-optic tree simple, with just the tree's changing lights and a few crackers, we keep the main decorating for the proper tree.
Either way! That's one of the wonderful parts of Christmas...doing what makes you happy. I agree that with the light and changing patterns and everything that a lot of decorations can be overwhelming but they look beautiful with a few simple additions like a garland, some tinsel and a topper.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.