Christmas-y, With Pictures!

A few weeks ago, Momma and I went to a Christmas party that one of her former coworkers throws each year.  Now, I know I've missed the past few years, what with my living in a different state and all, but this year was quite interesting.

The hosts lives in a gi-normous house; one that puts my folks' place to shame.  And my folks have almost 5000 square feet of living space.  (Please do not rob them.  I'll need those assets later.)  Also, the hosts' place is built into a steep slope, so when you go a party at their place, they recruit two family members to drive you up the driveway to the back door.  Seriously.  It's got to be at least a 40 percent slope.  (I know nothing about slopes or angles, but trust me, were it to ice, one step outside and you'd be thirty feet down before you knew it.)

The boy didn't believe me, so I took this picture:

This doesn't really show the slope, but isn't the place gorgeous from the outside?  Don't worry; we're going inside next...

The hosts decorate every single room with at least one Christmas tree.  This includes bathrooms, hallways, alcoves, built-in bookshelves, and each of the great rooms.  It's stunning.  Oh, and did I mention that each tree has its own theme?  No?  I should have.  Most are adorable and traditional.  The ones in the kids' rooms are more individualized.

The son is allowed to have the geekiest tree on earth.  Believe me, his tree sings, and I bet, late at night, the characters fight a true battle.

Yeah?  You don't have a Darth Vader ornament?  I bet you're jealous.  And we continue the geeky-McAwesome...

I am not as Awesome McGeeky as I wish I were, for I do not know the name of this character.  Still, I'll try on the next...

(I didn't know) Even I know this is from The Corpse Bride.  (Thanks, Mr. Williams!)

Onward...I went into the daughter's bedroom - believe me, when there's this many trees, no room is off limits.  Yet were I their children, I would have thrown a privacy fit that would have impressed the gods.  To no avail, but still.

Next year, if I don't have a tree like this, I refuse to celebrate Christmas...

And this is the picture using the flash.  Imagine how it'd look with real lighting...

Do you understand the glory?  A tree backlit with red and pink, and decorated with black ornaments?  YES PLEASE!

On the more traditional side, I thought you'd like a look at one of the "adult" trees.  Although it is gorgeous, please see the height differential between my camera angle and the floor.  I believe that in industry terms, this is called "20-foot ceilings".  I may be underestimating.

I mean, how awesome?  I was in the study/overhang over the main family room.  It was warm, there were comfortable couches, built-in bookshelves loaded with books, and a computer.  I damn near settled in, hoping they wouldn't notice for a few days.

One last picture from the party:  This wreath was on the door of the room with the most amazing red Christmas tree.

C'mon now, you know that's pretty.  And how do you clean those feathers each year?

It's a tradition in this town to go to Horseshoe Circle.  This little street is known for the outdoor decorations that so many houses do each year.  Those that don't are polite enough to keep their outdoor lights off.  And the annual visitors, the ones who come each year, know to turn off their headlights and leave only their running lights on.  If you're a new visitor here but you know this town, remember next year to turn off your headlights.  You've been warned.  I might tell your kids my infamous Christmas Monster story through your car window if you don't.  Ask Ryan.  He'll tell you the damage the Christmas Monster story can do.

Idle (HAH!) threats aside, here are the images I was able to gather.

It's over, and we're free!  Let's all plan for a fabulous New Year.  Remind me to tell you about my even-year theory.