Imagine this: It’s December, and you’re in the garage looking at a mess of seasonal lighting experts. Your neighbor is untangling his as the cat bats at one end. You’ve had enough. There has to be a better method to deal with this yearly event.
Let’s begin with the things that no one tells you. Before you even think of going outside, check your lights first. Does that make sense? You might be surprised. Plug them in, look for flickers, and throw away any that don’t work. No one likes having to climb back down the ladder just to change one obstinate bulb.
Then, look at the weather report. Wind, rain, or slick steps can make this fun job a slip-and-slide. Choose a day that is dry and mild; you’ll be glad you did. Get gloves that fit well. Cold fingers and glass bulbs do not mix. A fact learnt by my uncle after one unforgettable light explosion and a lot of “holiday cheer” mumbled under his breath.
Your new best friend is a tape measure. Before you start scaling the front of your house, make sure you know how many feet of lights you really need. Nothing says “festive” like half a strand drooping halfway to the gutter because you ran out.
Use plastic clips to hang lights instead of nails or staples. Your paint and siding will be happier. You won’t have to use pliers and feel bad about it in January because these clips snap on and off quickly.
Let the pros or Santa’s elves do the acrobatics on the roof. If you have a tall house or tricky roof angles, there are local companies that specialize in outdoor displays. Book early since their spaces fill up faster than stockings on Christmas Eve. If you really want to join the Griswold club but hate ladders, you could set up a great tree in your front yard instead. You can reach it without putting your life or limb at risk.
Put net lights around trees and plants. It’s the most like cheating in Christmas decorations. Drape, tuck, plug in, and you’re done. Spotlights with festive gels offer pizzazz with zero effort. Point them at windows, the garage, or that inflatable reindeer that’s seen better days.
Timers are magic. Set them up, forget about them, and let them do their job. No more running outside in your pajamas at midnight. You don’t need any cords for solar lights; just put them in the ground and let the sun charge them. That’s one less reason to deal with tangled extension cords.
When you’re done, take pictures. It helps next year and gives you something to talk about in your area. Don’t forget that no one talks about the time their neighbor skipped lights and got to relax with hot cocoa early. They talk about the mansion with the great heart and bright glow, even if it’s just a few strings.
Use smart tech, prep, measure, clip, and keep the tension down. And don’t forget to plug in the lights before you start. Unless, of course, you want to keep the story of “that time Dad did the whole roof in the dark” alive.