Lighting up the TV screen

KILL DEVIL HILLS — For 22 years, Jim Poulos has taken Christmas decorating to a dramatic level, with his house, his garage, his yard, even an archway over the unpaved road where he lives just outside Nags Head Woods glittering with thousands of Christmas lights.

The astonishing display that people drive from all over to see has made the big time: This morning, Poulos’ holiday handiwork is scheduled to be announced on NBC’s “Today” show as one of three finalists for the best-decorated house in the country.

Viewers will be able to vote online for their choice, according to “Today’s” Web site. The winner will get to host weatherman Al Roker during his broadcast Friday.

“To be honest with you, that’s not why I entered,” Poulos said. “I feel elated that at least I was chosen as one of the three.”