Every year there are those in the neighborhood who are “zealous” with the holiday decorations.  Personally I’m a bit of a Grinch but I always marvel at how some people really go all out. 1  There is a house in my neighborhood that exemplifies this each year.  When I saw that they had the display up the day BEFORE Thanksgiving (I’ll give them a break…the weather was unseasonably warm) the idea for this contest occurred to me.  I’d like for all of you to share a neighborhood house decorated for the season on your blog.  It can be hard to get a night picture but here are a few tips:  use the “sports” setting or high shutter speed on your camera OR use a tripod with a “night”setting OR take the picture at dusk with flash OR use the movie setting on your camera for a short clip OR just do the best you can.  I took pictures first but I had to tape a little clip because this display has MUSIC too.

The rules, regulations and fine print:

1)  You can’t use your own house, although if you’d like to share pictures of your decorations either inside or out I think that would be awesome.

2)  The house should be in your neighborhood…don’t go driving across town to find one…sometimes the best things are in your own backyard :)  Let’s say it has to be within a 5 mile radius of your residence.  If you live WAY out in the country and there are hardly any houses at all you can use your own discretion.

3)  You can post as many pictures as you like but choose just one house as the “most decorated” for the contest.

4)  Post about the contest with your pictures at your blog.  Please use the direct link to this post: http://www.divaknitting.com/blog/2007/12/03/holiday-cheer

5)  Finally, post a comment here with the link to your post. 

6)  Entry deadline is December 31st at midnight EST.

7)  You can replace your original entry at anytime.  If you’re driving through the neighborhood and see a new house that deserves your nomination, post about it to replace your original.

8)  Judging…I haven’t decided on this just yet.  I may use a poll, I may use my own judgement or I may elect a committee to decide which houses are the most “overzealous”.

Prizes?  Well, I already mentioned the Crazy Aunt Purl book and there will be others…likely yarn!

1. Some would even say the decorations get totally obnoxious and ridiculous with all manner of plastic and inflatables.  I choose not to comment…to each her own and whatever makes them happy for the holiday season [↩]