What’s new this 2025 Christmas season? Favorites?
So I've searched high and low in the off season for new vendors with different items. This year we're incorporating more teardrop garland, different textures and colors of greenery, icicle garland, and one project is even getting a snow machine. I think the classic greenery, warm white lighting and red velvet bows is a classic hard to beat. Now we're just looking for additional touches that we can put on it to turn heads of guests and outdo the neighbors.
My favorite and most proud project would have to be the lighting at the Grand Ole Opry – a place where we're always looking for what else can we do and we don't hold back from trying to be creative and discover what else or where else we can put something to make it sparkle more. A creative piece we're proud of here that my decorator designer Tammy and I coordinate on, is our Dolly Parton tree. Complete with ornaments, pink lights and even a start with the queen herself on top. It's an eye catcher for any Dolly fan.
Tell us a story that captures the spirit of Griswold Illumination!
I had a last minute Griswold makeover. Remember cousin Eddie showed up last minute and they had to scramble to have enough for everyone? I'm thinking it was a situation like that – last minute, everyone is coming home for Christmas and my wife wants the place to shine. Please help me. We came with garland, wreathes, lights and bows. I told this gentleman to make sure his kids know how hard he worked all night to make it look great for them. It's more important to me that it's noticed and enjoyed than making sure their family knows who did what.
How does your background in landscaping influence the way you design holiday light displays?
The landscape design and Christmas designs are the same. Details, details, details. I have to think of the bigger picture than just lights on a house. I'll ask how do you enter and exit your home? If it's from the side garage, then we need something over there for them to have also. Curb appeal is good but the person paying for this service should have things they like also just for them. Who doesn't feel like a VIP with lights and garland around your garage door? It's like pulling into Santa's workshop!
Beyond the lights themselves, how do you hope your work impacts families and neighborhoods during Christmas?
The biggest and best reward is the Christmas feeling and joy that all of this encompasses, I don't ever feel the need to upsell anything. I have an idea pop in my head and think, this would really make this shine and look great! I want each project to be done to whatever standard needed for the client to view what we've done as pure hallmark Christmas bliss.
What role does faith and community play in how you run Griswold Illumination through the holidays?
My faith controls a great deal of how I run Griswold Illumination and Shady Landscaping year round. I rely 100% on the Lord. I can buy lots of plants and lights. I can talk to lots of people. But without walking with Jesus in it all, I won’t go anywhere and accomplish nothing. I don’t set goals to make a bunch of money or have tons of staff and trucks. My goal is to provide for my family and have a means to help others do the same. My cup runneth over by the grace of God. So I want to fill up other’s cups too.
If you could describe the heart of Griswold Illumination in one word this season, what would it be?
Creative. With Christmas and landscaping alike, I don’t want to be the cookie cutter design that looks like everyone else’s. I’ve researched more in the offseason to provide unique ideas to make designs unique. Not just lights and a wreath. Different styles of bulbs. Some very interesting garlands and wreaths – half a tree to go against a wall in a small room – upside down trees – nutcrackers bigger than I am. Lots of interesting pieces, thinking more outside the box and pushing my creativity.
contact: shadylandscaping@gmail.com