For 19 years, Jason Mertl has been stringing about 100,000 lights throughout his Federal Way yard, setting up handcrafted wooden figures and putting on a Christmas display for his community each holiday season.

“It’s everyone’s Christmas tradition to come see the Christmas display,” Mertl, 32, said. “Without it, I’ve been told it’s not Christmas.”

People, out of the blue, have stopped him in the grocery store or restaurant to tell him they really appreciate what he does.

Mertl compares his residential production to the big-time commercial displays in parks and other popular events.

He has a personal designer who draws up the display each year. There are wooden angels singing with a wreath, a “12 days of Christmas” theme and plenty of lights on trees, shrubs and bushes. He even decorates his neighbor’s front yard so there’s more to see.

“It’s always been in my blood to do the Christmas display,” he said. “But we never had the opportunity until we moved into this house with a bigger yard.”

Mertl begins his work in early November and sets up until the beginning of December.

When the light show is active during the holiday season, he does use about three times the amount of electricity but “it’s worth it.”

People often drive by to take photos but if they stay awhile, they’ll hear Christmas music playing in the background. They may even get a chance to meet Mertl — he’s usually outside ensuring things run smoothly.

Mertl’s light show will begin on Dec. 6 and will run from 5-9 p.m. until Dec. 20. The production’s hours will then change to 5-10 p.m., Dec. 20-28, and will go back to 5-9 p.m. Dec. 29 through Jan. 3.

Mertl welcomes everyone to drive by his house, located at 30640 11th Ave. S. in Federal Way, during these hours for his holiday light display.