Christmas Trees in DC

Some of the prettiest Christmas trees are on display in our neighborhood. Yesterday we finally walked by the Capitol Christmas tree but we still haven’t seen it all aglow. The US Botanic Garden has lovely trees before you get to the main attraction - the trains. Union Station has a beautiful tree in the main entrance. The African Museum of Art always has one in the window along the Smithsonian Gardens. On Pennsylvania Avenue the storefront windows are filled with tiny decorations reminiscent of years past. We didn’t see the tree in the Library of Congress this year - I never missed it when I worked there. But the best tree is the one we will be celebrating the holiday around with our family. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

US Botanic Garden Christmas Decor

Last week we stopped in the US Botanic Garden to see the Christmas Trains and the Roadside Attractions. We usually visit on our morning walk because it is less busy. Typically the line to get in can be a few blocks long this time of year - especially with school groups and bus tours! The train exhibit is always lovely. We didn't spend enough time there and plan to go back again. But before we left we walked around the main lobby area to check out the monuments that are made out of plant material, mixed in with the Christmas trees and fountain. The newest addition is the Smithsonian African American Museum. I don't remember ever seeing the Albert Einstein sculpture before. All the traditional landmarks were visible and surrounded by Christmas and seasonal plants. It doesn't matter when we visit the garden. It is always such a great experience to stroll around the several distinctly different sections. We have been coming here long before we moved to DC and walk through the exterior gardens almost every day. But the Christmas season seems to be the busiest. Once you see it you'll understand why. 

The Four Seasons All In One During A Walk on the Mall

I got up earlier than usual this morning so I could work on over twenty plus Christmas orders for pet portraits, but also to take a walk with my husband who has been without a wife since the orders started coming in. Thank goodness he is so understanding! It's December and it feels like spring, fall, summer, and winter all in one. The sun is brilliant, there are buds on the flowering trees, golden and red leaves abound, and Christmas trees and decorations all about. Most of the visitors were heading to see the Christmas trains at the US Botanic garden. We'll save that visit for a morning during the week. Aside from the Air and Sapce Museum, the mall was rather quiet. School is still in session, and it's too early for Christmas vacation. There were a lot of local joggers and walkers like us. After four days of rain earlier in the week, the last few days have been breathtaking. This is the way it should be this time of year, and one of the main reasons we moved to DC from the Midwest. Let's see how long it lasts!