CLEVELAND — Bill Hixson loves Christmas, and his work shows it.
“I’m making an arrangement that will be a story about the birth of Christ, the baby,” Hixson said at his northeast Ohio shop.
Hixson is a florist whose talents for decorating have taken him all the way to the White House. He decorated holiday displays for U.S. presidents for nearly 40 years.
“Well, I don’t do it for the presidents,” Hixson said. “I do it for the people of America.”
Hixson said his first opportunity to showcase his work was for the Reagan administration. Since then, he’s built quite the name for himself in the decor and design industry. His work has taken him all around the world. Now, Hixson has created an autobiography about his journey.
“I’ve had a very interesting life,” Hixson said as he signed an ornament.
His book is called, “An Ordinary Man Blessed with Extraordinary Experiences." The book reflects on the memories of others from his life.
“I threw the first book away because it’s too many ‘I’s.’ ‘I did this. I did that.’ That’s not the way to talk about your life,” Hixson said. “People help you to go where you’re going.”
At the young age of 92, Hixson said he has no plans of going anywhere any time soon and will continue to use his talent to spread a little holiday cheer.
“I love people. I love Christmas. I love all that I do,” Hixson said.