Adrenaline is high walking on 47th St diamond district through Times Square to Penn Station. I could not wait to get on the train to DC. Besides NYC, this year I ventured to Washington DC and Chicago.
I wanted to see the Federal Buildings and Monuments and how DC decorates. To my surprise it was NOTHING-NADA…disappointing at best. The politicians must be really depressed! The Capital did not have any wreath that I could see, and the 'dinky' tree was not lit at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon.
Refer to the 2014 Capital Christmas Tree Lighting by House Leader John Boehner. Hopefully they did not forget to turn the lights on at dusk.
Then we mosey'd on over to the White House. No one can get close enough today to see the trees guarded by the FBI.
Zoomed into see The White House, including sniper on the roof with two traditional trees flanking the front door.
On the back lawn of the White House there is a really weird contemporary tree. I heard that Hillary and Bill picked out this design. Not sure if it is true, but a good story. Large pyramid tree with smaller trees surrounding in iridescent colors. I don't get it. Not my favorite. Tom Hanks and company lit this one in the official ceremony. Click for the official picture of the tree. Deck the Halls with White House Tree Lighting and President Obama's Holiday Message.
The White House contemporary tree.
I then suggested that we go to Georgetown, where there had to be wonderful decorations in this traditional shopping district. Much to my surprise it was again a contemporary spin. Low budget too. We decided to go to Clarendon where we knew the stores would have a more festive feeling.
And then onto Alexandria, Virginia, for the real traditional look we were counting on. I missed the house walk and the parade with bag pipes, however the decor did not disappoint.
So next year I have to see the INTERIOR of the White House to see Winter Wonderland. I will need to write a letter to Joe Kennedy to get in. Maybe I could volunteer to decorate next year's Christmas Tree in the Blue Room. Wouldn't that be fun and newsworthy! White House Christmas Tree History in the Blue Room. The first lady's dresses through the years are fashion statements.
Love Chicago…The Magnificent Mile is AWESOME. Twinkling lights along the shopping promenade. Every building and tree decorated with lights.
Love the visual journey that goes with your blog.
So enjoyed seeing Christmas on your travels. Chicago did look great. Here we are New Years Day, ready to start out fresh. It should be very FUN!
Did you buy those red suede shoes?