For 365 days out of the year, it looks like Christmas at a home in Duette.

Lights and decorations surround the house on the outside. Inside there are Santa figures, a Christmas tree, and even a living Santa Claus!

“It’s joy, it’s happiness, it’s smiles, it’s helping people and it’s peace,” said John O'Connor, who also goes by Santa.

While the home officially belongs to O’Connor, many believe this is where Santa and his wife secretly live.

“It’s just very special,” said Linda O’Connor, who is also known as Mrs. Claus.  “It makes you feel really good to do things for people.”

This is where the couple likes to go undercover before heading out to spread holiday cheer.

But sometimes, even in Duette, a rural area in eastern Manatee County, it’s not easy.

“Kids at the end of the line as I’m walking by come running over to me and say, 'Oh here’s the real Santa,' " said O’Connor, 73.  “Oh my goodness.”

O’Connor has been doing the job for a quarter of a century. That's 25 years as Kris Kringle.

To prepare for the big role, every year, he grows his beard out and gets it permed to make sure he looks perfect for the big day.

Now as he prepares for this year’s Christmas, many may wonder: is he the real deal or just a helper?

We may never know.

“We can’t reveal whether we are the real Santa because there’s so many Santas trying to bring beauty and peace at Christmas time,” said O’Connor.  “You just have to take it on faith.”

Believing in Christmas that keeps this man going year after year.

Santa makes visits to nursing homes, children’s functions and more all throughout the Bay area.