Sorry you're so down!!
What about getting the kids really excited about putting the tree just outside the front door? Tell them that you guys are going to be the first ones in the neighborhood to do it, and see if anyone else follows?!?!?! They don't have to know about the room thing.
Have them watch the neighborhood for followers, and drive around several time to look at lights and see if anyone else has an "outside tree". Besides, everyone knows that Santa just loves Christmas Trees, and he'll really see yours first!!
Hope it helps.....
