Once they moved to their current home, the hobby began to flourish. Kris's wife said she "Thought he was crazy when he first talked about doing all this," but it has truly become a family event that everyone takes part in.
Each year Kris gathers more items to add to his collection.
"Some things are new, and some have been given to me; sometimes I find things at yard sales - it just tickles me to death," he said.
It takes about three weeks to complete the decorating with ups and downs along the way - like the time when Santa fell down off the roof. Thankfully he landed in a bush and didn't get hurt.
The mishaps haven't stopped him.
"I do this to make memories with my kids," Kris said. "And I like to see the community happy."
Memories are indeed being made. Kris's daughter, Kayla Harris, remembers when her whole kindergarten class wanted to come to her house because Santa lived there.
Kris's young sister-in-law, April Baker, has a fond memory from last year.
"I was sitting in the house reading 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,' when I looked out the window, and there were about six kids pushing a shopping cart - just like in the book," she said.
Stopping by "the North Pole" has become a tradition for some families. Haley Herrman, who has visited the house several times, wondered where the reindeer were because they weren't on the roof; she admired the house with her mother and brother, Arlene and Jared Davis.
Kris also said he enjoys his Christmas hobby because, working in retail, he often sees people get caught up in Christmas yet forget the real meaning of it, and, to him, his hobby is a way to do something nice to make people happy.
"Occasionally a Grinch comes by, but I just overlook it," he said.
Kayla Baker, James Baker and Blake Adams, all teenagers, walked by and admired the illuminated scene.
"I think it's good that he's standing out there spreading holiday joy because some people get depressed around Christmas - it's good that there's some good people in the world that care about other people - especially with the economical situation that gets people down," Adams said. "It makes me feel happy to see him there."
"This is awesome," Kayla Baker said. "It's a great opportunity, especially for the little kids to come out and see him. Nobody else does this anymore. I think he's a good influence."
James Baker agreed. "I get into the Christmas spirit big time, you know, and seeing his holiday joy - it made me smile; it's pretty cool - it gave me my grin for the day."
That night a humble Santa accomplished what he set out to do.
