Living next to the Gresham family in Greene is like living next to a graveyard. The home of PJ, left, Shelby and Chris Gresham is turned into a cemetery each Halloween. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
The people who bought the Gresham family’s former house were warned.
The Gresham family had gone overboard decorating their home each Halloween.
“Halloween is our Christmas,” said Chris Gresham. “We go all out for it.”
When Gresham, his wife, Shelby, and son PJ moved from their Westbrook home to Sedgley Road in Greene earlier this year, the new owners of their old house were told that they would need to do something for Halloween. The neighborhood expected it. Families planned family portraits in front of the haunted house — year after year.
“Everyone loves what we do,” said Chris Gresham.
Gresham loves Halloween.
“There is no politics involved in Halloween,” he said. “There is no conversation to be had besides Halloween.”
PJ Gresham has not always felt the same as his father. PJ was scared of the holiday that comes every Oct. 31.
“As a kid, I was afraid to go into Spirit Halloween,” said 20-year-old PJ. Fast forward a few years and PJ found a job at Spirit, the pop-up shop that opens each year for those looking for everything Halloween.
The Gresham family collects scary stuff throughout the year and slowly adds to their haunted display right up until their favorite day of the year.
“It’s good bonding time for me and PJ,” Chris said about the time he spends with his son building the displays.
“Every year it’s a bit different. But it’s always a cemetery no matter what,” said Shelby.
Chris and Shelby have many stories from past Halloweens, but one particular year stands out.
The couple were engaged in 2014, on Halloween of course. Chris was dressed as Santa Claus and showed up at Shelby’s door while trick or treating.
Shelby was dressed as Mrs. Claus and told her Santa ‘yes.’
“We have a lot of fun,” said Chris Gresham. “Who does not love Halloween?”
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