The Real Reason Your Christmas Light Game Needs A Makeover (Plus How To Fix It)

Three years ago, I witnessed my dad battle the Christmas lights through an entire Saturday and my mom throw in unwanted suggestions on the driveway. He swore an oath I dare not repeat, tossed a light strand that shattered against the concrete, and finally fell about dinner time. The house was as though Charlie Brown had painted it. Find it here Decorating for Christmas should not feel like a survival challenge and yet it seems that most of us do that every year and make it an experience that makes or breaks marriages and patience.

Professional installers cost between $250 to $3,000 depending on the size of your house and how ambitious your vision is. They'll map everything out, carry professional-grade equipment on ladders that you would never put your trust in and make your house look photo-worthy. Most crews are through in a few hours what it would take you an entire weekend marathon--unless you cut yourself in the first place. After the holidays they come back and remove the display, so you do not have to have the embarrassing February talk with neighbors about why you still have your lights up. Reserve a crew in October or you will have very few options left.

DIY Christmas lighting requires more than holiday spirit. Begin by taking proper measurements of all the rooflines, windows, and doorways that you will be illuminating. Get extra strands beyond your original estimate--holiday decorating has a way of exposing bad math. Get the right clips that fit your surface, be it shingles, gutters or brick. The generic clips tend to snap easily, and most of the time it is the initial windstorm that causes your well-planned display to fly into the bushes at 2 AM.

LED bulbs are more expensive in the short-term but are the only viable option these days. They consume power very efficiently and incandescents gulp power like your uncle at the open bar. LEDs are also far longer lasting and remain cool to the touch, which is important when you need to drape them on trees that are alive or flammable decorations. The quality of colors has been enhanced significantly. LEDs are as warm as old-school bulbs without the risk of fire and electric bill shock.

Safety may not be exciting, but it matters. Always check the strands and then walk up. Always use outdoor rated extension cords, and never indoor. Stay connected at high level and dry. Never overload circuits--calculate amperage of your breaker and perform calculations. The location of the ladders is important: firm ground, the right angle, a person observing you. Shouting don’t fall by your spouse does not count as proper spotting.