If there is one universal at this time of year, it’s Christmas lights. During the last month of the year, there is never an energy crisis, only an opportunity to dazzle in the most ostentatious manner possible.   

There is a house around the corner from us in Burlington that is quite famous for it’s Christmas light display.  Yes, we visit and stand in awe every December. 

But now, we will look much further… assembled below you will find videos of some of the most remarkable Christmas displays from around the world.  Accuse them of being wasteful, call them garish, but you have to hand it to them in one respect… they know how to put on a show, and we all love to be entertained!  Festive is truly in the eye of the beholder, as you will see if you click on the following merry links:

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Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea
Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

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What could be more exciting than opening presents on Christmas morning? How about this: getting a call from Mickey Mouse announcing the gift of a 2009 Walt Disney World vacation?

Until December 23, 2008,  guests who book their 2009 vacations to Walt Disney World Resort can sign up to receive a call from Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day, surprising their family with the vacation news.

To schedule a surprise call from Mickey, visit www.mickeyholidaycall.com from now until Dec. 23, and enter your booking number to register.  Bookings made between November 28, 2008 and December 23, 2008 are eligible for the call.

A great opportunity if you want to get away this Christmas!

Travelonly has some group space booked on the Carnival Freedom, sailing from Fort Lauderdale on December 20, 2008 for an 8 day Western Caribbean cruise.   It is a very interesting itinerary including Costa Rica and Panama!   Potential excursions are exploring the rainforest or white water rafting in Costa Rice, and of course the Panama Canal in Panama.

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