It's almost Christmas....

five days until Christmas; it's Hanukkah; and 6 days until Kwanzaa.

I've been walking dog1, dog2, and dog3 in the evenings and checking out the holiday light decorations on Capitol Hill. It's interesting how many ways one can find to decorate.

There are the minimalists who will throw one strand of lights over a fence or a tree and leave it at that.

The electric freaks who don't leave one inch uncovered, a zillion colors, blinkers at different rates and usually a lit up santa or reindeer.

Those who take the time to decorate every branch of a tree. I like these best because I finally realized why we our taught to draw Christmas trees as little hanging triangles off an upright stick.

Common is the strings of pine wrapped around iron fences and wreaths adorning the doors with big red bows and a couple of lights intertwined.

There is a house on Constitution that reminds me of the animated MasterCard house commercial.

But my favorite house this year is located on 9th street. A bush outside is done in small red lights. The house and front porch are lined in small white lights. And through the front door window, you can see a Christmas tree lit up with small blue lights, a two directional staircase decorated with strands of pine and small white lights. The colors, though as I write this realize they are of the patriotic nature, are pure delight.