“Oh, it’s a joy, I love it. I did it mainly for the grandkids.” Riddle said.
The ‘it’ she is referring to is their family’s holiday tradition, decking out her front lawn and that of her son next door with many merry decorations. However, Riddle says it wasn’t always joyful, having spent many years celebrating alone.
“My kids were in the military, so, like I said, I went years and years just me.” Said Riddle.
This tradition began in 1991, when, for the first time, her kids and grandkids were coming back home. Riddle decided to go all out, and every year since, the display has grown in size and popularity.
“Breckenridge, Abilene, Cisco, Colean, they all drive down here just to see our lights. And I have people coming up asking, ‘Do you want my Christmas decorations?’ Sure, I’ll take them. I’ve said anybody that wants to get rid of them, bring them on by. I’ll find a place for them.”
Her son Larry Gray lives just next door. The display now spans both of their yards. Gray and his mother do most of the planning, and her grandkids, the very people she began decorating for, all lend a hand in seeing the vision through.
The display became very popular one year when Gray and the kids took a vacation to Germany, and Riddle received many complaints from the community. Folks came to voice their disappointment that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the scene.
“They went to Germany one year, and I said, ‘I’m not putting lights up by myself. I’m not doing it.’ Boy, I caught heck from everybody,” Riddle said.
While they are not the only Clydites participating in this seasonal display, Gray says he’s seen more locals making the effort since they started.
“It makes us feel really good. There, for a while, there were not many houses that were set up and decorated. The more we do, the more people come. I think it’s kinda contagious. Some of the neighbors will start decorating a little bit more.” Gray said.
Their homes quickly become a regular holiday tradition for families nationwide. Most importantly, it is a beloved annual effort that Riddle, Gray, and the whole family can look back on fondly for years to come.
“It’s good to have them home again, and we’ll do this all over,” said Riddle.
“It’s very special, and I’m hoping that when they get older and have their own kids, they can continue the same traditions, added Gray.
The homes are located at 201 Cherry Street in Clyde. Gray says they plan to outfit a few more trees and fences this weekend. They invite all who wish to come by and take in the scene, though he asks that folks keep their eyes on the road. Gray said one year, an accident happened out front when a driver collided with another slow-moving motorist as they enjoyed the decorations.
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