Holidays ARE all about tradition, which is why it seems like a massive mistake to give things like Pines or the Green and Red one year (especially coming right out of a pandemic in the former case) to establish themselves. But a theme park also need yearly variety. The mix of comfy tradition and intriguing variety is a combo that has worked so well for Uni during other seasons. The Green and Red is key here, because the elaborate theming changes from year-to-year. HHN is completely new each year, Mardi Gras gets a new parade - the holidays needs that yearly variety. Right now the Coconut is shadow of its best self, with generic, off-the-shelf decor - no Sirens, no impressive theming. As far as I've seen reported, they aren't even playing holiday music, though that can change easily.
It seemed like the village might also have been intended to offer this same kind of yearly variety, although we'll never know for sure. (At some point it was supposed to return, because I actually ran into a team from creative walking the area and discussing how they might alter the layout for the next year).
As to Earl, I love the character, but I thought I saw a walkaround Earl doing meet-and-greets back in 2021, so I can't see that as much of an adjustment to the lack of the Village.
Simple things could really help - I seem to recall the decorations in Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, and Marvel being very sparse. If that's still the case... why?