PRESHO, S.D. — What began as one custodian’s idea to bring warmth to a newly finished school space has grown into a holiday tradition that now fills the Lyman Gardens with dozens of glowing Christmas trees — and draws the community together each December.
“Christmas in the Gardens” was launched in 2022 by Jennifer Reindl, then the head custodian at Lyman School, who saw untapped potential in the school’s new commons area connecting the main building to the gymnasium. Known locally as the Gardens — a name the gym has carried since the 1970s — the space felt incomplete to Reindl after construction wrapped up.
“To me, it was just an empty space,” Reindl said. “I wanted to fill it with cheer and happiness.”
Reindl, who said she has always loved holiday décor and grew up in a home where Christmas felt warm and welcoming, decided to transform the open commons into a winter showcase. Her motivation went beyond decorations. She wanted to lift spirits in a small community.
“Sometimes communities can get a black cloud over them,” Reindl said. “I just wanted everyone to be happy.”
In its first year, the idea quickly grew beyond what Reindl initially imagined. With help from the Presho Area Chamber of Commerce, she sent letters inviting participation and spent plenty of time recruiting in person. Businesses, organizations, families and school groups responded, resulting in more than 50 decorated artificial Christmas trees lining the Gardens during the inaugural display.
Reindl’s role at the school played a key part in the event’s early success. Because she was in the building throughout the day, she often helped assemble, decorate and even fully design trees for participants who wanted to be involved but lacked the time.
“She would just say, ‘Sure,’ and decorate it herself,” Layne Larson, Lyman High School English teacher and student council advisor, said. “Businesses would drop off a tree, and she’d take care of it.”
Jen Reindl and her son, CJ, look over the decorated Christmas trees in the Gardens at Lyman School. Reindl started Christmas in the Gardens three years ago while working as a custodian at the school.
Submitted photo
The displays ranged from small tabletop displays to towering centerpieces nearly reaching the ceiling. Some followed traditional themes, while others were more unconventional — including Reindl’s own “kitchen tree,” decorated with utensils, dishcloths and measuring cups that later doubled as raffle prizes.
After Reindl left her position at the school, district leadership didn’t want to see the tradition disappear. Following her departure, the superintendent asked Larson and the student council to take over the event, recognizing its impact on both students and the broader community.
This marks the second year the student council has managed Christmas in the Gardens, under Larson’s guidance. While the scale has naturally shifted — this year features about 20 to 25 trees — the heart of the event remains unchanged.
Unlike Reindl, student organizers don’t have the time or flexibility to assist with decorating. Instead, their focus is on coordination, scheduling and maintaining the display. Even so, the Gardens continue to feature a wide variety of creative and meaningful trees.
The largest and most recognizable is the Raider Tree, organized by the Lyman Booster Club. Standing about 12 feet tall, it celebrates school spirit with decorations representing athletics and activities, topped by a football helmet. A nearby music stand displays the school song.
Near the entrance is the Angel Tree, organized by Loving Lyman County. The tree allows community members to support families in need by selecting tags or mittens listing a child’s age, gender and wish list. Gifts are returned to the school and distributed with help from local law enforcement and community partners.
Memorial trees honoring lost loved ones are also featured, along with business-sponsored and organization displays. This year’s student council tree carries a “Polar Express” theme, designed to align with the chamber’s holiday open house.
Beyond the display, Christmas in the Gardens also serves as a rotating fundraiser. Participants pay a fee per tree — originally $20 and now $25 — with proceeds directed toward a local cause.
Angela Ehlers decorates a Christmas tree on behalf of Scott Enterprises, the local lumber yard, as part of the annual Christmas in the Gardens display at Lyman School in Presho.
Submitted photo
In its first year, funds supported the school’s Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for students. The second year benefited Loving Lyman County, which helps residents with emergency expenses such as medical bills.
This year, proceeds are supporting a food security initiative that provides holiday meal kits to local families. Organized by band instructor Mackenzie McKeithan-Jensen with help from multiple student groups, the program offers boxes filled with ingredients for a Christmas meal, including stuffing, casseroles, gravy, cranberry sauce and a voucher for a turkey. Families can pick up the kits during the school’s Christmas concerts.
“Things are just so expensive, especially this year,” Larson said. “This felt like a really tangible way to help.”
The trees are lit daily on timers from morning until late evening, and the public is invited to view the display from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 28.
Though the event has evolved since its inaugural year, Larson said Reindl’s influence remains evident throughout the Gardens.
“She was the creative soul behind it,” Larson said. “Even now, the whole idea is rooted in what she wanted — bringing people together and making this place feel warm.”
Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She was raised in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newpaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD the summer of 2000. Upon graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for a number of years.
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