Postcard From Hampden

Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood isn't just over the top. It revels in excess. Just look at the beehive hairdos, the pink plastic flamingo lawn decorations, the leopard-skin purses and cat-eye sunglasses.

Of course, Christmas is no exception. 34th street is famous for its holiday lights show, with houses decked out in everything from lights to tire sculptures to Old Bay containers. The radio program Soundprint did a lovely little history of the neighborhood, documenting the underlying culture of this blue collar community. I'd recommend you take a listen. And in the meantime, here are some pictures of the neighborhood's Christmas spirit.