Johnston County light display brightens grandfather's holiday

Five years ago, Tyler Britton's grandfather was so ill he couldn't leave his house at 520 Antioch Church. So 16-year-old Britton, who lives next-door, decided to put up a Christmas display he could see from the window.

"We started out with probably 3,000 lights, and now we have 20,000, 25,000 lights," he said.

Every year, he adds a new element. "We have the helicopter out here. There's a tractor. There's a golf cart."

Britton's gift to his grandfather is now an annual tradition enjoyed by family, friends and neighbors.

"We get about 35 visitors who come by every night and they come by slow, so we know that they're watching the lights," he said.

He hopes his gift inspires others to think about their loved ones at Christmas. "I do this show out of love for my grandfather," Britton said.

Harold Jeffreys' health has improved enough over the years that he can ride with his wife, grandson and other relatives on a nightly tour of the light display created in his honor.