HOLMES BEACH – Many businesses put up beautiful Christmas trees to celebrate the season, but one special tree is celebrating 20 years of making a personal connection with customers from around the world. Shawn Waters, owner of Solo’s Pizza in Holmes Beach, didn’t think much of it when he bought a tree two decades ago to put in his new pizza shop during its first Christmas after opening.
“I bought the tree for $35 back in 2002 from a couple that came in here all the time and had just bought a big new tree,” Waters said. “Little did I know back then how long it was going to be here with me. I set it up every year because I don’t do much decorating at my home since I spend most of my time here. My Christmas spirit comes from this place.”
Soon after setting up the tree, a tradition began with regular customers gifting him with ornaments. Waters thought it would be nice to have people sign the ornaments and date them so the memory of their visit would last forever.
“I don’t decorate, the customers do it for me and I’m very appreciative every time somebody brings me something to put on the wall or an ornament to hang on the tree,” he said. “All these ornaments on the tree are signed and dated by people that are or have been important to me. Several of them are no longer with us, having passed away, and that’s special because when I’m setting up the tree, I grab the ornament and have a chance to remember that person’s face. They get placed in a prominent spot on the tree.”
Waters jokes that every year he dreads the time-consuming work to put the tree together but, once he starts, he said he’s filled with Christmas spirit and winds up enjoying every minute of it year after year.
Solo’s Pizza is located at 3244 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. The tree is easy to spot and Waters has no problem with anyone visiting getting some pictures to commemorate their visit to his Island business. Those lucky enough to arrive at the right time may even be able to grab one of the two tables that sit next to his prized tree.
