BRADENTON, Fla. — For many, decorating with Christmas lights is an annual tradition.

However, for one Manatee County man, putting up his lights wasn't possible this year, until Matt Nemeth got involved.

What You Need To Know

  • Manatee County resident Herb Dolan lost his leg in an accident 

  • Unable to put up his Christmas lights, his friend, Matt Nemeth, stepped up to help

  • Nemeth and his crew decorated the home with hundreds of lights

"I knew he was in the hospital, and I reached out to him and his wife answered," Nemeth said. "She put me on with him and then he explained to me what he went through over the last year."

The friend Nemeth is talking about is Herb Dolan.

Dolan loves Christmas and has spent decades decorating his home.

However, after losing his leg in an accident, Dolan couldn't put up his lights. 

So, Nemeth stepped in.

"Christmas is a time for giving, and I wanted to give back to my friend and his family," he said. "Maybe bring a little bit of joy."

The pair have known each other for more than 20 years.

Despite this, Nemeth said convincing Dolan wasn't easy. 

"We went back and forth a few times and I finally said, 'What color do you like?'" Nemeth said. "'What's your favorite color?' And that's when I knew I had him. He said, 'I like multi-colors.'" 

With Dolan's blessing, Nemeth and his crew got to work. 

From the trees to the chimney, they covered every single square foot of the house with lights.

It may have taken a lot of work, but Nemeth said he would do it again in a heartbeat. 

"To see him with a smile on his face, it means a lot to me," Nemeth said.