Why Dave Augustine Creates His Holiday Magic

Photo by Andy Shelter.

Now that the holiday season is well and truly over, the Swarthmorean is remembering Dave Augustine’s holiday courtyard garden and the light it brought during dark December nights. We asked Dave what got him started and what keeps him going, and this is what he told us.

Honestly, it was time spent with my father looking at holiday lights, especially in Drexel Hill, and then going to Dunkin’ for donuts and hot chocolate. Watching families come through. Knowing my lights give a family time to do things together.

Almost everything purchased in the yard has come at the request of a child. Going the extra yard for the children brings happiness when they see their decoration. Is it just the lights, or is there more no one sees? 

Making the garden gives me time setting up and breaking down with my own children, and now grandchildren. And in today’s politically charged world, Democratic and Republican families smile side by side for one night and go home happy. 

I do it to honor my father and my special holiday time with him. I do it to leave a memory in one child’s mind, in the hopes that someday they will do the same. Photo: Andy Shelter