Are you getting ready to decorate the exterior of your home for the holidays with Christmas lights? If so, you’re probably wondering how to hang them safely and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips to help you hang your Christmas lights like a pro, without risking your safety or damaging your property.
Planning Your Christmas Light Design
Before you start hanging your Christmas lights, you’ll need to plan your design. First, take a picture of your house from the street to get a better idea of how you want to arrange your lights. Consider outlining the roofline, porch, windows, and trees in your yard. Make sure to use outdoor holiday lights that are designed to withstand the elements.
Measuring Your Lights
Once you have your design in mind, measure the width or height of the area where you want to hang your light strands. You can also measure the width of your house at its base to estimate how many feet or strands of lights you’ll need.
Using Plastic Light Clips
To make hanging your lights easier, use plastic light clips to attach them to your gutters, siding, railings, roofline, or anywhere else you want to place them. These clips will save you time, and they’re flexible enough to hold any type of light strand, including icicles and strands of larger bulbs.
Testing Your Lights
Before hanging your lights, test each strand to make sure they’re working properly. Look for any broken or missing bulbs, and keep replacement bulbs handy if needed.
Properly Attaching Your Lights
Attach the plastic clips onto the light strands, and then attach them to your home. Space the clips six to 12 inches apart to keep your strands straight. Collect any excess wire for even spacing, and consider using plastic zip ties for extra security if you live in an area that experiences harsh winter weather.
Turning on Your Lights
Once you have everything set up, plug the male end of the last strand into an outdoor-rated extension cord. Then plug the extension cord into an outdoor outlet, preferably controlled by an on/off switch, automatic timer, or app. Always plug outdoor lights into a GFCI-protected outlet to prevent shock due to moisture and other common causes of short circuits.
By following these simple steps, you can safely and easily hang your Christmas lights outdoors, creating a festive and beautiful display for everyone to enjoy. Remember, start small and add to your light collection each year, and before you know it, you’ll have the prettiest house on the block. Happy decorating!
