Could this be the best “decked” house in the country?

Possibly.

Congratulations to Ed and Colleen Vrba of Plainfield, who are among the 25 finalists in our Deck the House contest.

We had tons of national entries this year and in our quest to find the most over-the-top holiday decorations in the country, we’ve seen everything from a life-size Santas to holiday lights so bright they could blind the neighbors.

We loved seeing everyone’s holiday spirit, but Deck the House isn’t over yet. We’re still looking for the one home so spectacularly decorated that it could be the national grand prize winner of our contest—and it could be the Vrba home right here in Plainfield.

For the Vrba family, decking the house is a family Christmas tradition.

"Each year we add on a little bit," said Colleen. The holiday has special meaning for the family, since it's also the birthday of Ed's mother, she added.

The tradition started years ago when the family lived in Plainfield's Mayfair subdivision, continued when they moved to the Prairie Knoll subdivision and hasn't stopped since.

"It's exciting," she said. "The whole family does it together."

This year, the house served as a drop-off spot for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots donation drive, collecting more than 400 toys for area kids in need. A Plainfield fire engine served as the Santa sleigh to pick up all the donations left at the Vrba home.

"We're just excited we can help these needy families," Colleen said. "Every child deserves a toy on Christmas."

She invited area residents to stop by and see the family's decorations at their home at 13830 Meadow Lane.

"The photo doesn't do it justice," Colleen explained, saying you have to see the house "in person" to get the full effect. She said the family begins decorating the week of Halloween and usually finishes the first week of December.

Sightseers who make the trek to the Vrba home can also drop off their letters to Santa, Colleen said; there's a mailbox in front of the home especially for letters to the North Pole.

Until Dec. 28, you can vote in Patch's Deck the House to help the Vrba's house win $100,000 for Plainfield School District 202.

All you have to do is visit this page to browse a gallery of the finalists and cast your vote. On Dec. 29, we’ll announce the grand prize winner of our Deck the House contest. Hint: You can click here to vote for the Vrbas!

So, now’s your chance to tell us who has the best “decked” house in the country. Vote today!