NHS Sophomore Grant Leonard was watching a show called “The Great Christmas Light Fight” a few years ago when he had an idea.
He wanted to start his own Christmas light show, here in Nacogdoches.
“There’s another guy in Nacogdoches who does a light show, and I enjoyed seeing his, too,” Grant said. “I thought it would be something fun to do, and something for the community to enjoy.”
That year Grant asked for an early Christmas present … a light box so he could create his own Christmas light show.
“My parents gave the gift to me early, because we wanted to set it up in time for Christmas,” he said. “We started doing this about three years ago, and we’ve been adding to it ever since.”
With the help of his dad, Tim Leonard, Grant hangs lights on the roof, the trees that grow in the yard, on the shrubs and on the Christmas trees he has placed in the yard. They also hang icicle lights and orbs.
This year, the lights are synced to songs from “Frozen,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Lights Shine Bright” by Toby Mac and songs by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Grant said he notices cars stopping in front of his house to enjoy the show, and he often peeks through the blinds to see them.
“It makes me feel really good about what I’m doing,” he said.
Grant has always enjoyed Christmas, and he likes going to Santa Land to see impressive displays of Christmas lights and music.
He also uses a drone to take Christmas videos and photos. Most recently he took drone photos of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival at Festival Park.
“I flew the drone low and got cool videos, and a video of everyone taking communion,” he said.
To see Grant’s Christmas light show, go to 1804 Hollybrook Drive in Nacogdoches