On December 1, 2024, the Krawczyk family hosted their Annual Tree Lighting at the legendary “Auburn House” on Beech Street in Mountain Brook, AL.’s Crestline neighborhood. This vibrant event, now a cherished community tradition, reflects the Krawczyk family’s love for bringing people together during the holiday season.

The tradition began over 20 years ago, inspired by Craig’s mother-in-law, Mary Ann Garrison, whose vision was as bold and bright as the display itself. “She had a great sense of humor,” Craig recalled. “Everyone on her street had white lights, and she said, ‘I don’t want a display with white lights. I want it to be tacky and bright.’” Garrison’s playful vision resulted in an over-the-top display reminiscent of Clark Griswold’s in Christmas Vacation.

After Garrison’s passing in 2009, the family vowed to keep the tradition alive. Craig ensured the display moved to their home, despite some initial hesitation from his wife, Meg. “It was either going to be at our house or my brother-in-law’s, and I wasn’t going to let him have it,” Craig joked.

A Labor of Love

The display is no small feat. Work begins the weekend after Halloween and is completed by the Saturday of the Iron Bowl. This year’s holiday masterpiece featured over 30,000 lights on 300 strands, taking more than 25 hours to assemble. The dazzling display covers the home’s façade, shrubs, tree trunks, limbs, and driveway, with highlights including an Auburn “AU” logo and an illuminated “War Eagle.”

This year’s lighting ceremony drew over 100 attendees and included visits from Santa and a toy drive for the Salvation Army.

A Tradition Bigger Than a Family

Over the years, the Krawczyk family’s light display has become a community hallmark. “I get stopped all the time by people who tell me what a big part of their Christmas it is,” Craig shared. “One person told me it’s a tradition for their family to drive by the house at night before bed.”

For Craig, this event is more than a festive gathering; it’s an opportunity to foster connection. “The lights have created traditions for others, and that means the world to me,” he said.

A Reflection of LIVE Design Group’s Mission

Craig’s dedication to creating meaningful experiences extends beyond his holiday tradition and into his role as Principal at LIVE Design Group. Whether designing worship spaces that foster spiritual connection or creating environments for special needs communities, Craig’s work embodies a heart for service and purpose.

The annual tree lighting is a shining example of his passion for bringing people together in meaningful spaces. This year’s event was filled with laughter, joy, and the kind of festive cheer that Craig works to cultivate in every project he touches.

Thank you, Craig, for leading by example and showing us all the true meaning of light and love this holiday season. May we carry this inspiration forward as we celebrate with our own families and communities.

Happy Holidays  & Merry Christmas from all of us at LIVE Design Group!