And...

 It got even better this evening, when my walk took me down a road that is almost traffic-free and where many young families live. Here every house has put on a bravura display of Christmas lights (as so many have, by way of cheering things up), and this evening every family was out on its doorstep or strolling up and down the road, admiring each others' lights, chatting amiably and generally having a good time. The children were happy and excited, and passers-by too were enjoying the spectacle and the festive atmosphere. It was like a kind of benign version of the Halloween festivities, and had the feeling of a new Christmas tradition in the making; I rather hope it is.
Sweet are the uses of adversity.