So far we have talked about cleaning your home really well and then decorating it very thoroughly. Now, it’s time to add the sparkle and make the outside of your home shine.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Are outside Christmas decorations really all that important?” The answer is yes. Yes, they are VERY important.
So, whether you’re doing a full on “Griswald’s” or just a small strand on an outside bush–these steps will help you make it the best it can be.
Step #1: Check everything and check it twice.
Starting with your outside lights–check each bulb and fuse. We invested in some new lights 2 years ago because we were tired of having to replace nearly every bulb year after year. Guess what? We still have to replace nearly every bulb year after year. I think they just don’t make ’em like they used to. Doing this first will save you a lot of heartache.
Pro Tip: Check a whole strand of lights and replace and tighten all the bulbs that need it and then unplug it. Wait a couple of minutes and then re-plug it in just to double check. Some bulbs seem to have only 5 seconds of life left from last year and will be sneaky about not letting you know until you’re up on the rooftop.
Also check all your other décor–the lawn reindeer with the motorized moving heads and the inflatable Santas and snowmen. Year long storage can take it’s toll and it’s best to repair or replace it before you get started.
Step #2: The House Lights. Once again Super Rockstar gets to take care of the lights. I figure since he enjoys doing the Christmas trees so much–why wouldn’t he find just as much joy in doing our rooftop lights? Plus, our neighbors now get to share in hearing all his falalalalas. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Pro Tip: If you are wondering how to get your lights to line up like little soldiers–we discovered these clips. They rotate so that no matter what direction you are putting the lights, they look nice and straight. Super Rockstar was THRILLED with them. (well as thrilled as he can possible be about anything having to do with putting Christmas lights on our home.
Remember–safety first. Sometimes I feel like Super Rockstar escapes a trip to the ER by mere fluke. His guardian angels are having to put in a lot of overtime during this season. Also, make sure you follow the manufacturers directions on how many strands to put together. This will not only keep your home safe, but will save you hours of headaches in having to replace the teeny tiny fuses.
Step 3–The Rest of the Décor. While Super Rockstar is dangling from precarious ledges, I get to do all the other–lower to the ground stuff. I follow the same basic steps as I did inside–garland and wreaths first, then decorations and then I have a few lights to put on some bushes.
Pro Tip: I always have to talk myself through the process of which end of the light strands to start with–remember that the plug needs to be on the same end as the outlet. Somebody besides me might need this little reminder.
Once you have everything in place–plug it all in and enjoy.
We purchased a remote control system a few years ago and it has been AMAZING.
No more playing “rock, paper, scissors” over who will go out into the arctic tundra at bed time to unplug everything.
Now your home is all ready for the holiday season. I truly hope you enjoy all the things this wonderful time of year brings–good times with your family and friends, giving and getting gifts, celebrating the birth of our Savior and eating WAY more than you should.