Every year people get out their holiday lights and think this time will be different. It is not. What starts as a fun project turns into a mess. You are standing on a ladder trying to get the lights to work. It is just not happening. Get the facts!
The problem is that people do not plan ahead. Before you even touch the lights walk around your house. Look at it. Measure the roof. Count how many outlets you have outside. Make a drawing of what you want it to look like. If you take a minutes to think about it now you will not be stuck trying to fix it later when it is cold and you are tired.
The weather does not care about your holiday lights. Rain, frost and sun can really hurt them. If you use cords outside it can start a fire. So spend an extra money on cords that can handle the weather. It is worth it.
You should get clips to hold the lights on your roof and gutters. Do not just use tape that is not an idea. The clips will hold the lights in place. They will not get broken in the wind and rain. Get clips than you think you need because you will use them all.
You should use LED lights. They use power and last a long time. They are a little more expensive. They are worth it. If you use the kind of lights your electricity bill will be very high.
The color of the lights is important. Some people like white lights they look classic. Some people like white lights they look modern. Do not mix them it will look messy. Choose one kind. Stick to it.
Do not forget about the ground. You should have lights on the path and on the trees. It will make your yard look nice. If you just have lights, on the roof it will look weird.
You should get a timer for your lights. Your neighbors do not want to see your lights at 2 am. A timer is cheap. It will turn off the lights automatically.
Finally take a picture of your lights when they look good. It will help you year when you are trying to remember how you did it. Good holiday lights do not happen by accident you have to plan them and work at it. It is worth it.