Man with ‘Generous Heart’ Covers His Entire Neighborhood in Christmas Lights: 'An Awesome Experience'

Stephen Dunkelberg had a bright idea — to light up the homes in his Bixby, Oklahoma neighborhood

An Oklahoma man is making Christmas a little brighter for those in his entire neighborhood — literally.

Stephen Dunkelberg tells PEOPLE that he decided to bring the wonder of the holidays to his Bixby block after noticing that his house was the only one that was “all lit up.”

“I knew there were some older people that lived on the street so I figured they weren’t going to hang their own, and I knew how expensive it can get to hire people to hang lights,” Dunkelberg tells PEOPLE. “I had a bunch of extra lights and the ability to hang them, so I thought it would be the right thing to see if the neighbors wanted some free lights.”

Once the owner of a landscaping company that put up Christmas lights, Dunkelberg felt comfortable scaling the roofs of the homes and bringing his vision to reality, he told NBC affiliate KJRH-TV.

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According to the station, his route to decorating included 1,700 bulbs for the 22 homes on Stadium Road.

But first, he made sure that his neighbors were on board with his project and said he went door to door to ask if anyone was opposed to the idea or had religious objections, KJRH-TV reported.

Dunkelberg’s neighbors — some of whom he admits he didn't know very well before — welcomed the chance to celebrate his season.

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"It's just so awesome that he has a generous heart to do this for all of our neighbors," Molly Garrison told KJRH-TV.

Bing Nearing, another Stadium Road resident, also endorsed the bright idea.

“I’m sure the whole neighborhood appreciates it. I, for one, do because I’m a little bit senior, and it’s hard to get up on the roof now," Nearing told CBS affiliate KOTV.

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Dunkelberg says the experience has added joy to his season.

“Seeing kids come out and get excited when they see their house lit up for the first time was an awesome experience,” he tells PEOPLE. “It seems to put everyone in a good mood and I’m grateful they all allowed me to hang their lights.

"Christmas lights have always put a smile on my face, and I’m glad I’m able to help make others smile," he adds.

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