Best Holiday Houses

By Alex Frederick, frederickas15@comcast.net

Yes, it was a warm and rainy Christmas, but that did not deter our jolly elves from once again seeking out the Burleith homes with the best holiday decorations. The intrepid group braced for balmy breezes and light rains and made their way throughout the neighborhood guided on by the festive lights welcoming them from every street.

1704 35th Street. photos by Alex Frederick.

Four houses received the greatest nods of approval from the elves that night:

3613 T Street.

• 1704 35th Street with classic holiday wreathes, candles glowing in every upstairs window, and dramatic lighting evoking Currier and Ives;
• 3613 T Street with its huge front bush covered in cascading white sparkling lights and a warm, inviting interior glow emanating from its spacious window and open doorway;
• 3819 S Street with long strands of endless dancing blue lights swaying across the entire front façade of the home; and
• 1935 39th Street with its brightly colored lights extending in circles around a small elegant front tree and continuing from the front door to the end of the step railing.

The residents of these homes will receive a prize in recognition of their creativity later this month.

3819 S Street.

1935 39th Street.

The elves also wanted to congratulate the homeowners on Whitehaven Parkway for their collective efforts. This neighborhood block of homes shone the brightest: brilliant white lights swept across every front bush from home to home, and each doorway and walk greeted holiday travelers with distinctive seasonal touches.

Special mention also goes to one other home for brightening the neighborhood: 1906 37th Street with its marvelous colored lights and lively ornamental figures parading across the lawn and beautifully decorated Christmas tree clearly seen in the window. This holiday home certainly deserved the elves’ recognition as well.