I'm just starting my planning for 2013 as well and this is a great thread to pull together all the reading I've been doing. (it puts it all in context for me - thanks!!)
So, my thinking for next year is to keep it simple. Really simple. One Lynx Express and one Etherdongle. From there I'm thinking about writing out the words MERRY CHRISTMAS on the roof of the house and stick two other LED wireframe type characters (maybe a tree and holly).
If I was to get "fancy" I would look at the smart strings and try to get each letter of the words to animate one led at a time.
Given i need to invest in a good soldering iron I'm thinking i'll be about $1000 once i'm up and running next December.
Cheers!
Ryan
