Merry Christmas to you from the Powells in Washington DC

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 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Just a quick post to wish every one a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We hope you are enjoying the holidays, spending time with family, eating holiday treats, and relaxing in front of a warm fire or a televised football game.

Here we are at the Capitol in front of its annual Christmas tree - no photoshopping, we are indeed at the Capitol! This year the tree came from the Six Rivers National Forest in California.  The tree's 3000 mile journey to DC started in late October.  The 84 foot white pine is nicknamed "Sugar Bear".  Way cool!

We are awestruck at the number of Christmas trees and decorations both inside and outside of office buildings around town.  Many trees have been upwards of 30 feet tall in the lobbies.  They're so beautiful.  Viewing them has put us in the holiday spirit.




Here we are in front of the National Christmas Tree by the White House.  It is surrounded by 58 decorated state and territory trees.  The National Christmas Tree is a living tree that is decorated each year.  In December 2018 a man climbed the tree damaging branches 15 to 30 feet high.  The tree was replaced ten months later with a 30 foot blue spruce from Pennsylvania.
 
Back side of the White House at night,
Here is a neighborhood tree.  That's Don's daughter Alexa with us who lives in nearby Alexandria, VA.

The neighborhood businesses had decorating contests.  Again, so beautiful!




The tree we purchased for our room isn't quite the same size.  This year's gifts are wrapped with Chipotle, Potbelly and Bethesda bagel takeout bags.

Wishing you and your family happy holidays!  May the new year bring you good health, love and laughter!

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