Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.

Here’s how the contest works. Beginning on Dec. 8 and continuing through Dec. 26, you can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form on the site. During that same time period you and your neighbors will also be able to vote for your favorite festive home. The winning entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge that will select 24 finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 that they can apply to their December electric bill.

From Dec. 30 through Jan. 8 you will be able to vote for the Best Decked House in all of Patch. The grand prize winner’s school district will receive a $100,000 check from Patch.

So, get out your lights and ladders (and your competitive spirit)! Whether your style is sophisticated or silly, we want you to dress up your house in the name of good cheer and our kids. At the very least, Ashburn will be decked out like it’s never been before. And if we win, what better gift could we give to Ashburn kids?

Enter Now! deckthehouse.patch.com/contest/ashburn

If you have any questions, post them below and we’ll share the answers with everyone in town. Click here for full contest rules.