super late entry

Manger Helipad

I know we are past the deadline, but we saw this last night, and HAD to include it. We call it manger Helipad.... Yep, there's a helicopter landing on the manger. That story could go in a million directions. This yard was LOADED with lights, but this was so bad we had to submit it. Happy voting in the WC!! The owners were out and saw us taking pictures. I'm pretty sure they just thought we were admiring their handiwork (and we were).

Woodbine Challenge: Pick the Winner! Poll

Woodbine Challenge Winner

It is time to pick a winner!  All entries are admirable contenders for the tittle of Woodbine Champ, but only one can be crowned the 2012 Christmas Season Winner.  Review the entries and pick from the list below (placed in order of submission) by 7:45 pm EST on December 29.  Vote as often as you like for your favorite!

Last Minute Entry - Old Town Alexandria

I didn't expect to find much in the way of "quality" Christmas decorating in Old Town Alexandria, given the general air of sophistication that residents of this fine area are wont to adapt.  Nonetheless, I happened to be in the area about a week ago and was attracted by the bright blue lights of this house and had to take a closer look. 

Blue Wonderland

Decorators have ingeniously juxtaposed the horizontal orientation of their three-story row house with the vertical lights.  At first I thought that this house was one of a kind, but later saw another version with lights of varying colors.  I think this house made a wise choice in its monochromatic decorating, which otherwise could have veered into the inelegant.  

I was also in Old Town earlier this week and saw a house that didn't appear to have any Christmas decorations (no lights, wreaths, etc).  But, I then noticed that it had a Halloween decoration in the second story window, a spider in a web.  On closer examination I noticed that it actually was a Christmas decoration, for the spider was wearing a Santa hat.  Unfortunately, it was too dark to take a good picture.   

Sightings from Blacksburg

 No contest would be complete without entries from the Woodbine community that fostered our appreciation for outdoor Christmas displays.  Jackie & Rick noticed the simplicity of the long string of white lights in the large window.  This was a noteworthy deviation from standard decorating practice as the luminous display was on the side of the house.  (this is a least 3 standard deviations outside the norm, making it a special case worthy of note and further observation.)

 We love this display of holiday cheer.  It's significance flows from the comingling of two holidays.  We couldn't decide if this is a case of creativity, efficiency (2 for 1), laziness (didn't get around to taking the pumpkin off the porch),  or space conservation (storing the pumpkin outside rather than in the garage or house).  In any case, a minimalist will certainly appreciate the beauty of the single red bow; there was no other decoration on the entire house.

The frat house with a nativity scene on the porch roof caught the eye.  Originally the bear would have been sitting near the scene.  We didn't know how the bear fit the nativity scene.  Perhaps mother nature didn't either and moved the bear to the side.  Or, is there some symbolism here?  E.g., recognizing that some things in our lives need to be put down to make room for those things which are most important.  Your insights?

WC Entry: Christiansburg, VA

I'm happy (or embarrassed), to announce that the following entries are houses from my neighborhood.  I even considered entering a picture of my house, but thought it would be an unfair advantage seeing how I actually know the rules and regs of the Woodbine Challenge.  Perhaps having a WC on our own houses is an idea for the future.  Anyhow, my first entry is one on which I can gaze upon at my leisure through the front windows each evening.  Having a facade almost entirely devoid of lights is the perfect way to highlight the fact that you have only one electric figure in your windows.  I do need to give this neighbor credit for creating a little balance with the sprinkling of lights on the front bush.

Lonesome Angel

After I took this first picture and turned to go back home a glowing halo of blue caught my eye, and I was delighted to find my second entry.  This house sports none other (and nothing else), but a neon blue lighted wreath hanging on it's front door.  I have to be honest and say that I almost didn't notice this gem because it's neighboring house is smothered with lights.  Upon further inspection, the decorating of this house is quite ingenious.... the white minivan parked in front of their house does a nice job of reflecting their neighbor's lights!  There's no need for any more lights than a lovely blue wreath.  Let the neighbors pay the electric bill!!

Blue Ingenuity

These may very well be the only entries from my neighborhood seeing how I have a rather hyper-vigilant neighborhood watch.  I suppose running from house to house to keep warm, snapping quick pictures, and then running home might look a little suspicious (but it was fun)!

WC Entry: Alexandria, VA

I returned from my Woodbine Challenge scouting trip to Maine with trepidation, unsure whether I would find any comparable specimens of holiday decorating goodness.  Tonight's trip to the grocery store inspired a quick driving tour of a nearby neighborhood.  I believe that it uncovered worthy contenders for the title of Woodbine Challenge Champion 2012.  Some "gems in the rough," if you will.

Has the phrase "less is more" ever rang less true?

This photo certainly captures how underwhelming these holiday lights are.  Rather than taking the dramatic ridgeline-string-o-lights route, capitalizing on the large front window, or transforming the large front lawn into a winter wonderland, these holiday decorators opted for one string of lights wrapped around the railing by the front door.  It may even be a bit difficult to see in this photo, so don't get distracted by the lights on the neighbor's house.  Just look really closely, squint, and maybe you'll be able to catch a bit of the glow.  But really, the lights themselves were dim (it isn't just my distance from the house or the light), as if these tired old lights need to be retired to the Christmas Tree in the Sky.

Dubbed "Santa We Have Heard on High"

 That's right.  They've stuck a plastic, light-up Santa on a pole in their front yard.  Which begs the questions: where did this pole come from?  Do they store it in their backyard all year long so that their Santa can be a lone, shining beacon of Christmas cheer for the whole neighborhood?  If one can got to the trouble of getting Santa atop his pole and finding a super long extension cord, how is it that they can't do more?   (Disclaimer: as a drove away I saw that there is a second figure of a snowman at the base of the pole.)  There may be some crazy genius in making one sweeping dramatic gesture - any addition might just lessen its impact.

Woodbine Challenge

Chet here reporting from So Cal.  I think we've found a few winners for the Woodbine Challenge.  We stopped to take a few pictures tonight on our way home from caroling and spreading good cheer to the fine old folks at the Golden Living retirement home. 

The extend of this house's/apartment's Christmas decorating was replacing regular white outdoor light bulbs with a green and red bulb.  This place is oozing with holiday cheer.  Notice the empty outdoor chair which are anxiously awaiting a good time.

Nothing shouts Merry Christmas like a lightning bolt!  I think the lightning bolt took out Santa and 11 of the 12 reindeer, as there is only a lone reindeer left on the roof (note how his head hangs in despair because his friends died).  In all fairness to this house, I think that is supposed to be the Charger's (San Diego's Football team) logo, but what do the Chargers have to do with Christmas?  Nothing.

This one may not qualify because there is an inflatable decoration, but it's not on the lawn, it's on the roof of the garage.  Anyhow, we thought the light rope in the bushes was, well, lame-o, especially considering that there are a lot of uncovered bushes in the yard.

 We'll keep an eye out for more "winners".

Over-and-out,

Chet