ELABORATE Christmas decorations run in the family for one Latchford dad, who hopes to spread a little festive cheer to his neighbours with his light display.

Proud dad Craig Middlemore is hoping his one-year-old son Oakley will inherit his love of Christmas and it looks like the toddler is already keen to follow in his father’s footsteps.

The 31-year-old sales rep has been putting up decorations at his house on Richmond Avenue since he moved in three years ago and has been working on this year’s designs since March.

“I know it’s only November but for the amount of work I put in, I want people to enjoy it for as long as possible,” he said.

“The neighbours think I’m a bit wacky but they love it, it just puts a smile on people’s faces.

“I’ve even put the lights on between 7am and 8am sometimes so people can enjoy them on the way to work.”

And the former Woolston High School student said this year has been particularly special as it is the first time his son has seen the decorations.

“Oakley’s face lit up when he first saw them. Now he just stands and looks at them,” he said.

Craig said he cannot wait to celebrate this year with his young family and Oakley has already been dressed for the occasion in a festive jumper.

“When I first got together with my partner she wasn’t interested in Christmas – I mean she loved Christmas but she didn’t love Christmas in November. But now she is as excited as I am.

“When I was younger we used to drive around town and look at the Christmas lights. It’s all my mum and dad’s fault, they have always been big on decorations. It’s my turn now.”

Craig wanted to raise the bar this year after storms got the better of his efforts last Christmas.

“Last year I built an igloo from milk bottles but the weather was bad. One night I woke up at half four in the morning and it had been blown down. I was devastated.”

This year he spent a weekend building the display, which includes a nativity scene, Santa’s sled and a family of penguins.

And Craig has been receiving messages of thanks from people who have travelled across town to check out his hard work. 

“I have gone a bit over the top, but so far the response has been fantastic.”