Every year, Kevin Baird installs an incredible display of Christmas lights around his house in Maungatapu as part of a family tradition.

Each year, more lights are added to the collection on 5 Tutauanui Cres. This year, he has gone above and beyond.

Baird started this tradition many years ago - so many years ago he doesn’t know how many, but says it’s probably around 10-15 years - with his family and continues to do so even though his children have left home.

Kevin Baird has had festive displays at his home for some time. Photo / Amy Reader

“It’s just the joy of doing things to make other people smile,” said Baird.

When asked what Christmas means to him, Baird responded, “Christmas is for the grandkids”.

Kevin Baird's Christmas lights display is a family tradition. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird has six grandkids who all enjoy looking at the Christmas lights.

He hopes this family tradition will continue down the generations.

The community looks forward to seeing his display and starts asking in August and September when he will start installing the lights.

Kevin Baird's Christmas lights display at 5 Tutauanui Cres, Maungatapu. Photo / Amy Reader

He starts putting up decorations at the beginning of October and continues to do so until the night of the Tauranga Christmas Light Trail.

While he puts the lights up, he said all the neighbours come out to give their 2 cents on what’s wrong and what’s right, and he sends videos of his progress to his children, who give him feedback.

“I get quite a kick too of that,” he said.

Kevin Baird's Christmas display lights up Tutauanui Cres. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird wished that more people in the community put up Christmas lights.

“It is quite disappointing that there aren’t many Kiwis out there that put up lights of any magnitude.

“A lot of people think Christmas lights cost a lot to run electricity use, but they don’t.

Kevin Baird's Christmas lights create excitement throughout the community. Photo / Amy Reader

Baird said many people are put off putting up Christmas lights as they are worried about a soaring electricity bill, but he said it doesn’t cost nearly as much as people think.

He powers his with his solar panels, so it doesn’t cost him anything.

“But even if we’re paying, it’s peanuts.”

Kevin Baird has an impressive Christmas light display. Photo / Amy Reader

He said his dream would be for at least a large portion of the street to be lit up for Christmas.

“I do have one neighbour across the road who lights up his place. I enjoy looking out across to his house and seeing extra lights.”