AN Ohio man was in custody today after allegedly breaking into a family's house and putting up Christmas decorations.

According to WHIO-TV, police said Terry Trent let himself in on Friday through a back door of a central Ohio house and lit a candle and turned on a television before doing some Christmas decorating.

Trent, 44, who has a history of drug charges, was reportedly high on bath salts when he broke into the home. He has been charged with burglary.

The victimised family's 11-year-old son reportedly came home after the break-in and found Trent sitting on the couch.

He called his mother, Tamara Henderson, who was visiting with a next-door neighbour and then called police.

Trent was carrying a pocket knife when he was arrested, but reportedly tried to be polite to the child when he was found.

"He had said to him, 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I'll get my things and go,'" Henderson said.

Read more at WHIO-TV.

Originally published as Man breaks into house, puts up decorations