Griswold and putting up your own lights , Vines said , is that you are paying for it . “ It ’ s a luxury product ,” he said . Vines explained that for basic holiday lighting , it starts at around 800 dollars and goes up after that .
“ The average is 1400 ,” he said , which includes everything from designing it , to Griswold putting up the lights and maintaining them .
Vines said that Christmas has always been special to him . “ It ’ s my favorite holiday ,” he said .
“ I fell in love that first year and I ’ ve continued to learn and grow ,” he said .
Each year since he opened Griswold , Vines has started working earlier and earlier . When he first started it was November before he was getting clients , and this year , he started in July . Griswold even offered a discount this year to early birds who placed orders before the season actually began .
Though all of his business right now revolves around Christmas lights , Vines wanted to leave the option for other holidays open , so he made the name for his business Griswold Holiday Lighting instead of Christmas Lighting .
“ I know there might be a small market for Halloween or Valentine ’ s Day lighting ,” Vines said .
Vines drew inspiration for his business ’ s name , Griswold , from National Lampoon ’ s Christmas Vacation ( 1989 ), a movie that follows the Griswold family , where Christmas Lights play a big role .
“ My dad and I watched it ,” he said , describing how impactful the movie was for him growing up .
Since his kids were born , Vines has been decorating his home , making his own decorations kid friendly . “ I have kids , ages four to twelve , and my youngest just started Pre-K ,” Vines said .
During his off season , Vines is a stayat-home dad with his four children . His wife works as a dialysis nurse allowing him the freedom to stay at home with his children and operate Griswold during the holiday season . Owning and operating a seasonal businesslike Griswold , Vines said , gives him the flexibility he and his family need .
Vines , as a family man , works with clients and their families in order to make Christmas special for each and every one . From creating their dream design , to making sure it is perfect on Christmas Day , Griswold Lighting does it all .
Aaron and Danielle Vines with their four children , Lylee , Emi , Colton and Norah . Photo submitted
November 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 27