MIO, MI -- We want to introduce you to a couple in Oscoda County that finds joy in brightening up the holidays.
They've decorated their home with thousands of Christmas lights.
It’s an incredible display of lights.
Merlin and Katherine Ireland light up their home and front yard every year and this is their biggest display yet.
"Sometimes the airplane tries to get in here, and we say no, it's Christmas decorating,” laughed Katherine Ireland.
If we could get as high as Santa's sleigh and look down, it'd probably look like a small city, or country, but it's actually just a house outside of Mio in Oscoda County. Merlin and Katherine Ireland have Santa and his Reindeer on their roof, a sign to remind Santa to "stop here," but the Ireland's take it a step further.
"I just love seeing people happy!" said Katherine.
This huge display has more than 40,000 lights and 135 trees decorated. They start decorating in September. Up to a couple years ago, Katherine and her husband used to set up everything, but now, they use a little help.
“As I set this up, I go out like I'm in a car, and this is the angle I want it as I come in, and as you go around, this is the angle for everybody to see," said Katherine.
When November rolls around and the light show is ready, this is the command center. There are two separate boxes because all of the lights pull more than 300 amps. An underground wiring system lights them all up.
"I think it takes 29 switches and plugs to turn everything on," said Katherine.
So you're probably thinking that the power bill is absolutely astronomical? It is! They pay $1,500 for the two months of running these lights, the Irelands say since they can't travel anymore, so they say, "Why don't we make our home a travel destination?"
“Our exchange Christmas present is I pay the first light bill and he pays the second one," said Katherine.
And a way to light and make the Christmas spirit bright for people who travel through.
Get this, next year, Katherine says she's going to make it even bigger!
Why? Because this is what she does and she has some amperage left on her two boxes.
The Ireland’s encourage everybody to kick start their Christmas spirit by stopping by and checking out the display.
It's 100 percent free and they don't accept donations.
The display is on from 5:15 until 10 through January 2nd.
The home is located East of Mio, at 510 S. River Road.