Christmas in DC

It’s too cold to take a morning walk on the National mall. It feels more like Wisconsin than Virginia. That’s one of the reasons we escaped from the Midwest sixteen years ago. Today we walked in the condo garage just to get in at least some exercise. But over the last few weeks we have visited Capitol Hill to take in the Christmas decorations. We lived there for thirteen years and have visited many of the same places so many times before. Even before we moved to DC we visited those same places. So today’s blog is a compilation of images of some of our favorite spots. The Christmas trains at the US Botanic Gardens are always a treat along with the monuments made out of plant material in the main conservatory. Believe it or not the gardeners are still planting winter pansies around the Bartholdi fountain in these cold temperatures. Of course the Capitol Christmas tree is a favorite. We haven’t had a chance to see it at night yet - maybe before New Year. At the Smithsonian gardens there are always decorated fountains and Santa’s made of greens. Inside the castle is another tree in the main lobby. Near the White House are the tin soldiers at the entrance of the mainstay Old Ebbitt’s Grill. At the White House is the White House Christmas tree and the Menorah. All of the states and territories also have their own trees surrounding the main one. The White House and executive office building have wreaths and garlands. We had so many delightful strolls this holiday season. It’s hard to believe we can still enjoy all of the seasonal sights. But for today looking at the photos is about the best we can do. Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Christopher Radko Ornaments

The colorful glass ornaments are the Christmas decorations I remember as a child along with the colorful lights. My dad and I would get the Christmas tree right around my birthday. None of those ornaments remain, except I still have the stocking my mom knit for me soon after I was born. It has my name and a Santa on it. It, along with my brother and sister’s stockings, were hung on the cardboard fireplace. It was all so believable. All these years later we have one box of Christopher Radko ornaments. When we moved to DC fourteen years ago we left behind just about everything, but I kept that box that we got in Chicago. The shiny vibrant colors and images are so captivating. The snowman is my favorite. Usually we aren’t home for the holiday, but I always put these ornaments up - just not in the usual way. This year they are hanging from the top of the dining room mirror at various levels, above the console plant stand that has a vase stuffed with greenery and branches, birds, icicles, Santa, berries and lights. The only other ornament is a glass partridge in a pear tree that I got for my husband when we first met. My stocking is in the foyer. All I can say is the theme should be “I’ll STAY Home for Christmas” this year. What a fitting song. 

Christmas Lights Not Allowed on the Balcony

The verdict is no. Christmas lights are not allowed on the balcony. When you live in a condo you need to abide by the rules. Usually it wouldn’t matter because we aren’t home at Christmas. But this year is different. I had a feeling that would be the answer because people can’t set limits and it could get out of hand. I was just going to string a single length on the window boxes that face our living room. So rather than put the lights there, they would go on the console table with all the plants and the Christmas greenery that was placed in the vase. I have battery operated strings that were intended for the garland in front of the tv and the wall vase. One of those quit working so there’s one less option. The new lights are plugged in so we will be able to keep them on longer. Since we haven’t gotten Christmas trees for a very long time I prefer to make several spots to decorate. So when the lights were hung and they were turned on for the first time yesterday it was very pretty. So we will look at the window boxes during the day and enjoy the lights in the evening. That’s just fine. 

Balcony Window Boxes and Christmas Greenery

All we need now are the little twinkling lights - if the rules and regulations allow. We went to American Plant to pick out our Christmas greenery - enough to fill the balcony “window boxes,” wall vase and plant console table. We haven’t put up a Christmas tree since we moved from the Midwest to Capitol Hill. Now we live in northern Virginia. I picked up a few sticks that were lying in the street in our neighborhood on one of our morning walks to add to the decor. Lastly, the “fake” red holly berries and pine cones that were saved from year to year make the planters pop. Already in the window boxes were pansies, liriope and English ivy. During the summer the coco lined window boxes - that are zip tied to the back of the patio furniture - face outward toward the street. But in winter, we turn the boxes towards us. Then, we can look at the arrangement while sitting in the living room. It makes sense to add a bit of sparkle to the greens by way of a string of lights. I’m still waiting to hear the verdict from the board. Already someone put a wreath on the door which I know isn’t allowed. So to be on the safe side I’m waiting for an answer. Living in a condo has its advantages, but you do need to abide by the rules. Regardless the Christmas decor looks pretty as it is and was fun to do. But there is something about the little white lights that is soothing. 

Capitol Christmas Tree

We used to watch it as it rolled in on the big truck. But since we moved to northern Virginia from Capitol Hill several months ago, the Capitol Christmas tree arrived last week and we weren’t there to greet it. I remember the first year we moved to DC in 2006 we walked over after work to see the tree lighting ceremony with our grandson, and then checked out the botanical garden to watch the outdoor train display. But we still live close enough to drive in to the old neighborhood for a morning walk and made the tree our destination. It’s not really ready yet as the dedication ceremony is usually scheduled for early December, and the ornaments are not quite up. And this year the inauguration platform is being built behind it at the same time. Everything around the Capitol building is fenced off, but there was one gate left open so we could get in a bit closer - but hardly. The Capitol grounds grass never looked so good. The tree this year is from Colorado. The whole city is still weirdly quiet. There aren’t any visitors as everything is still closed down. When we continued our walk towards the mall we saw a falcon chewing on something, and the streets were empty. Heading back to the car was a difficult climb back up the hill - yes, there really is a hill! We will need to come back and visit in the evening y to  see the lit tree as well as the Eisenhower memorial that is supposed to have magnificent background lighting. We try to have a morning walk in town once a week. It’s a great change in scenery and we still feel connected to our old neighborhood.