the ghosts of Christmas past

 

after we went to see the lighting of main street in down town littleton, i forced everyone to take a detour and visit one of my all time favorite "griswold" houses.

we've been stopping by this house since high school.  it's my dirty little secret.  my very own tradition.  that one day my kids will love as much as i do.  they will.  but don't tell anyone.  it's obnoxious and over the top.  it's the kind of display you see on the news from a helicopter aerial view.  each of the neighbors has a protective coating on their windows to avoid the intense lights.  that you can see from a mile away.

there are a number of animated features.  and music playing over a stereo system. 

we introduced some friends to "our" special tradition this year.  it was like seeing the entire thing through new eyes. 

and i'm not going to lie.  i'm kind of freaked out about it.  brad might get his Christmas wish this year if i agree to forego this particular "family" tradition in favor of something a little less CARRIE ish.  i might have to oblige.  Merry Christmas early, Brad!  (but i reserve the right to secretly drive by this place in the future).