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.

Announcing the WOODBINE CHALLENGE!!

Chet announces the opening of the 1st Annual Woodbine Challenge.

Calling all Muskies! 

Grab your cameras and "venture" out to collect photos of the lamest half-attempts at Christmas decorating in your neighborhood.

These days, the true spirit of celebrating with poor taste and bad decorating has been lost. For too long, this minimalist approach with cheap decorations, embodied by green celophane-covered doorbells, has been "edged out" by more mainstream factions of lawn and home decorators. We Muskies want to recognize the purveyors of this southwestern Virginia tradition. We'd like to "shed some light" on this vanishing art form.

As always, we have Rules and Regs which must be followed:

1. Decorations may not be tasteful.
1. Tasteful may be acceptable if not fully executed.
2. No large, inflatable decorations may be present.
3. Decoration must have some form of interior or exterior decoration beyond a Christmas tree in the window.
4. Multiple entries are allowed.
5. Photos must be submitted by 12/23/12.
6. A poll will be conducted to determine the "winner" (loser).

Here are a few examples to get those creative juices flowing.

Notice the imbalance of lights. The inability to muster the energy to complete a cohesive holiday decorating scheme has created a masterpiece.

While the large red bow and clean white lights hold the promise of holiday whimsy and charm, this incomplete motif teases the viewer with ultimately unfulfilled expectations.

You've got your challenge, now let's get snappin'!