A Christmas tradition for most is driving around with the family and looking at the many houses in town that are decorated for the holidays. As people drive around this year, they will definitely notice one section of Hutchins Street, which is littered with a collection of themed houses ready to dazzle.

However, not only is the holiday spirit being upheld by the neighbors living on the 1900 block of Hutchins, but they say they’ve built a community reminiscent of older times, thanks to holiday camaraderie and planning around the season.

“I think we have gotten to know our neighbors, thanks to the holidays. Growing up, not only did we know our neighbors, but we trusted our neighbors,” Glenna Osborn said. “We have changed. We’re now afraid of our neighbors or don’t want that sense of community, but the 1900 block of Hutchins has that sense of community. We started a group chat to communicate about our displays and general street updates. When one of us sees Mr. Cunningham out struggling to cut his grass, we will go out and help him. We have a building sense of neighborhood here.”

The network is evident as you drive by their collection of houses.

“I wouldn’t say we compete against each other, but, instead, we feed off each other,” Glenna said.

While interviewed, Glenna made the topic of discussion about the entire Hutchins Street community and not just her display. She spoke of Sam, Abby, Selena, Mr. Cunningham, and more, all with a smile of her face as she told stories about her friends and neighbors.

She explained that many of the residents are newer to the street, outside of Mr. Cunningham, who is the longest-living resident of Hutchins. She claimed he is 78 and has lived there since he was 18.

Glenna and Todd Osborn have been residents of the 1900 block of Hutchins since 2019, when they began their Christmas display featuring members of Whoville. While they started small, in comparison to today, they say they have always kept the theme.

“I just loved the Grinch. Growing up, it was one of my favorite shows to watch. The first year we were here, it started out with lights on the house and a small Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. We also had simple arches,” Glenna said. “Each year, we’ve just added more.

The neighbors have stepped up to join the family each season, most even picking a theme.

“Nicole went with a gingerbread house theme,” Glenna said. “Selena is a winter wonderland. Sam is all gnomes. Ike and Lil originally said they weren’t doing anything, but, the next thing I knew, they were building the North Pole.”

The community has rallied behind the family over the years and the family even created a Facebook page for the display, Whoville Home.

In addition to the display, the family frequently welcomes the Grinch to their house one day each weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas to greet kids who drive by. He takes photos with them and passes out candy canes. Sometimes, Santa joins in on the fun, but people are often most excited about the Grinch.

“We have one little girl, who is probably about 13, who has Down Syndrome and visits every year because she loves the Grinch. Last year when they brought her, we had Santa Claus and the Grinch, but she didn’t care about Santa at all,” Glenna recalled. “This year, she visited and met the Grinch again. We took a video of her dancing with the Grinch. She just loves it.”

Every reaction is different, however.

“Most kids love it,” Todd said. “They’re usually scared at first, but then they warm up to it and have a good time.”

Not only do the kids enjoy the display and Grinch visits, but Hillview Retirement regularly brings by a van for residents to enjoy in the spirit.

The Grinch visits the best weathered day of each weekend, this weekend he is planning a visit on Saturday night, December 16.

When asked about why they and their neighbors decorate, the Osborns said that answer is simple. They cited their own memories of Rudd Farm and other regional displays of holiday spirit.

“We love it, don’t we?” Glenna asked of Todd.

“That and it is for the kids,” Todd continued. “You know, not every family can afford to travel to Kings Island or light shows. Sometimes, people are limited on what they can spend this time of year. I think when the community decorates their homes, it provides something for the kids to enjoy for free that doesn’t put pressure on their families.”

Glenna said this year has been extra special, however.

“This has been the biggest year for the 1900 block of Hutchins so far,” Glenna said. “People have decorated some in the past, but I feel like people are really starting to find themes and originality to make their homes special. I think all of us neighbors are proud of each other.”

Reach Joseph Pratt at (740) 353-3101, by email at [email protected], © 2023 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved.