The festivities of the Christmas season are upon us; giving the
homeowner a chance to display their home with spectacular outdoor
Christmas lights. This is a great way to bring the whole family
together.
When
putting up Christmas lights, plan how you want them displayed. Drawing a
simple sketch on paper will help you remember your ideas. Some people
choose to decorate with a single colour. Using blue, red, white, or
green lights, gives your home a look of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Using multi-colour lights express the excitement and delight of
Christmas time. Measure the area you plan to decorate; and figure out
how many light sets you will need.
Once your plan is solid, gather
all materials such as wires, extension cords, and all the tools you may
need. Everything must be in your hands before you climb up a ladder. It
is very important to use only outdoor Christmas lights. Check every
wire and light, making sure there is no breakage or fraying. Replace any
broken or burnt light before you decorate, including damaged extension
cords.
Replacing old wires and insuring you have enough extension
cords to go around helps to keep your property safe. The recommendation
is three standard-size Christmas lights to one extension cord. This
means no more than two hundred small lights or one hundred and fifty
large lights. Plan how much you need beforehand.
If your plan
includes wrapping trees with lights, keep in mind that small outdoor
lights give off less heat saving your trees from becoming dry. The
bigger the light, the more heat they give; use the larger lights
sparingly on walls and around doors. Do not put the big lights around
trees or plants as large lights may create a fire hazard. Do not use
metallic trees and lights together as it is a definite fire hazard.
Clean
the area from any dry leafs; including, any obstruction that may cause
wires to fray or lights to break. Use fireproof surfaces. Be sure that
all your light sets passed the manufacturer's safety inspections it
should be marked on the box. Install a timer with your lights,
automatically turning them on and off when you are not at home. In
addition, set up a time to shut off the lights at night when you are
asleep keeping your home safer.
Having done all of the steps
above, test your lighting once more insuring everything is up to par.
Gather members of your family to help you with the joy of decorating,
it's a great way to start the holiday season as everyone can help, even
the smallest hands. When finished decorating, celebrate with special
treats to mark the occasion.
Do not forget to take pictures for
beautiful lasting memories of your Christmas lights with the whole
family there. Then you can just enjoy the special festive glow inside
and out.
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