The following are some photos I took of some of the more eye-catching houses on the Somerville Art Council's Illuminations Tour. I actually took the pictures another night, when I could drive around myself and take plenty of time to appreciate the care with which these homes had been decorated. It is worth noting that the trolley driver said this was an " . . . educational tour. How not to decorate your house."

Words in quotes are what the trolley guide said. Well, paraphrased, anyway.

"The high school students call this one the 'condom tree'. That's not in the script for the tour this year."

The House of 1000 Santas

Many of the more elaborate displays are put together by immigrants, who are taking advantage of electricity that isn't rationed. This house is lived in by three generations of Portugese folks. It's one of my favorites.

One of the things I noted with some interest when I returned on my own was the five-pointed star centered above the porch. The interesting thing is how it is placed with one point down. Hmm.

On the other hand, they also have "God Bless America" spelled out in lights. Maybe I'm reading the pentagram all wrong?