Top 10 tips on how to be smart when decorating for the holidays

This week marked the official start to the holiday season (at least in my books). It’s full steam ahead from here on out.

I’m a sucker for the holidays, but I still think it’s important to be smart when it comes to yuletide decorations. Here are some dos and don’ts when getting into the spirit of things:

1. Do check older string lights for damage. Before climbing up the ladder, make sure every light is working and that the cords aren’t frayed in any spots. Cold weather can cause the wiring in string lights to become brittle, which makes it a lot easier for them to get damaged. The longer they stay out during the year, the chances of damage to lights and cords increases.

2. Do not repair damaged lights. If any holiday lighting is damaged, worn out or has frayed cords, replace them. Do not try fixing them. (Some people might try to fix frayed cords by wrapping them with duct tape. Don’t do this.) Frayed cords can be a potential fire hazard, which is the last thing you need this season.

3. Do switch to LEDs. I love LEDs and there are a ton of different options these days. They’re brighter, more energy efficient, they last longer and reduce the risk of blown fuses. Using LEDs means you can get more light for the same electrical capacity, which also saves you money.

4. Do not nail holiday lights to eavestroughs. I’ve seen people hammer nails into their eavestroughs so they can hang lights along the roofline. This permanently damages your eavestroughs. Then you’ll have to fix them, which isn’t cheap.

5. Do use rubber or heavy-duty plastic fasteners and holders. These can safely grip your eavestrough or shingles without damaging them, while a lower hook holds the lights in place. Just make sure the fastener or holder is strong enough to handle the weight. To hang lights around windows, you can also use plastic or rubber fasteners with a moisture resistant peel-and-stick backing. For extra security, make sure they can safely support up to 10 pounds.

6. Do not use interior extension cords outside. Interior lights and extension cords are for interior use only. They weren’t made to handle the elements outdoors. If you’re going to use an extension cord, make sure its outside jacket is rated for exterior use. Also, make sure it’s compatible with your lights, and that the wire gauge is rated for what you plan on plugging into it. I’d recommend at least a 14-gauge outdoor-rated extension cord. But remember: Extension cords are for temporary use only. They are not meant as a permanent solution, so pack them up once the holidays are over.

7. Do keep heat sources away from trees, real or fake. Keep your Christmas tree away from space heaters, radiators and candles; better to be safe than sorry. And if you are going to use a space heater, plug it directly into an electrical outlet — not a power bar or extension cord.

8. Do not run lighting or extension cords through windows, doorways or garage doors. If an electrical cord gets pinched it can become a fire hazard.

9. Do not overload circuits. Make sure the circuit you are plugging your lights into is rated to handle the total amperes of all the lights you are plugging into it. Some sources might tell you that the maximum number of lights you can safely string together is three, or 300 lights. But in my experience, one rule does not fit all. Always check to make sure.

10. Do call a licensed electrical contractor. If you’re not sure about any of the electrical in your home, especially when it comes overloaded circuits, it’s best to call a licensed electrical contractor now to check it all out and make sure it’s safe. This could save you a few headaches, not to mention a potential disaster.

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