I'm thinking people were trying to do something "unexpected" and "original" so what ended up happening?  No traditional trees....I don't think there is any one person or group to blame.  Sounds like a challenge for next years' exhibits.  I think we should do a "Holiday Tree' including all the winter/December holidays- Christmas, Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and.....?  Happy Holidays, all, and Peace on Earth!