Community Corner

Christmas Cheer on Campbell: Neighbor's Seasonal Offerings Light Up Block

Neighbors' lawns are canvasses for Doherty's handcrafted Christmas decorations.

This story was originally published on Dec. 20, 2012. It has been revived for your holiday enjoyment. 

By Joan Hadac

Walk down the 9900 block of south Campbell Avenue and relive childhood memories or discover favorite Christmas characters for the first time.

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Matt Doherty has provided neighbors with Christmas lawn decorations since he moved onto the block 16 years ago. Constructed of plywood, the figures depict such familiar characters as Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus fromA Charlie Brown Christmas, or Frosty and Friends from Frosty the Snowman

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Another front lawn is decked out with "The Whos" from Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Rudolph, Santa and the gang from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are waiting for Christmas Eve on another lawn.

The meaning of Christmas is not forgotten, as the manger scene is front and center on another front lawn. The story of The Night Before Christmas is spread out over two front lawns and the message of Christmas, Peace on Earth, is carried by three nine-foot angels.

“I’ve always loved Christmas. There’s something magical about it,” Doherty said.

A plumber by trade, Doherty put his mechanical skills to use by creating his first moving sculpture this year, a Ferris wheel.

Doherty, who hails from Beverly and went to St. Barnabas School and Marist High School, started making Christmas decorations with his dad, Matthew Doherty Sr. when he was 19. He grew into his hobby, coming up with more and more ideas and decided to carry on with the tradition when he moved to his current house.

He honed his skills working with his dad.

“He made us quite handy. I wish I would have listened more,” Doherty said ruefully.

It’s a great bargain for his neighbors who gladly provide their front lawn for Doherty’s artwork.

“I usually go to the husbands and they’re all for it. It’s usually not a hard sell,” Doherty said. All I ask them is to provide an outlet.”

It takes Doherty “six weeks solid” to begin the process of setting up the Christmas decorations. He has to paint and repair any items that require it. New items will be finished. Everything must be organized. The spotlights go up first and then the decorations.

“Everyone loves it, so it’s worth it,” Doherty said.

He has help with the set up. Up to 20 of his 49 nieces and nephews devote some or a lot of time to the Christmas decorations. His wife, Sherri, helps with the painting and with keeping the large crew fed. Now that his nieces and nephews are getting older, the food list grows larger, he said.

“It keeps me connected with my nieces and nephews. Because they’re getting older, it’s harder to get together,” Doherty said.

Doherty has created 180 pieces. The Ferris wheel with gingerbread people and Frosty the Snowman are his newest pieces.

“It’s a labor of love,” Doherty said.

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