Photos courtesy Darrell and Ali Barrett
The holiday spirit is in full swing in Long Beach, but nowhere is this as apparent as on one Wrigley neighborhood block where giant wrapped gifts surround elves and snowmen not just on the front lawn, but on top of the actual home of Darrell and Ali Barrett.
“It just keeps getting bigger every year,” says Ali. “It has to keep getting bigger.”
The Barretts have been constructing their elaborate display at 434 W. 31st Street every Christmas season for the past 16 years, but only recently has it grown to its current level. They’ve always constructed similar but separate displays for both Halloween and then Christmas, until a few years ago they realized it would be much easier to create a Halloween display that converts into a Christmas version.
With a little bit of spirit and a whole lot of scrap lumber and PVC pipe, the Barretts this year began their masterpiece back in September and finished the Christmas update just a few weeks ago. Crowds are already flocking to see the lights. If the display gets any bigger, NASA may ask them to tone it down a little.
“We just like to share our spirit with people,” Ali laughs. “It brings so much joy. People ask us all kinds of questions and thank us for putting it together.”
As the reputation has grown, the Barretts have begun to think that maybe they can find a way to leverage its popularity to help the less fortunate. Ali is looking into the possibility of forming a non-profit that would collect donations for some kind of local charity. We’ve directed her to someone who does something similar, but if anyone has suggestions feel free to leave them in the Comments section below.
“I’d really like to find a way to benefit people with this,” she says. “Then it can bring joy to the people who see it, and also help people who need it during the holidays. You know, kind of kill two birds with one stone.”
We’ll keep you updated on that effort, but for now, just head on down to the Wrigley neighborhood of town and enjoy the spectacle. The Barretts would love to have you.
Note: The home is located at 434 W. 31st Street if you’d like to pay a visit. As Ali says, “The whole point is for people to come see it!”