How To Hang Christmas Lights

Everyone in the neighborhood want to know how to hang Christmas lights. Is there a right and wrong way? What color choices are best? Unlike some of the other holiday traditions, hanging Christmas lights has a lot to do with your personal preference. Once you know how to hang Christmas lights, hang as many or as few as you want.

To hang Christmas lights you will need:

• Christmas lights (the amount, color and kind is completely up to you)
• a place to hang them (this includes a residence, trees, yard, driveway or mailbox)
• extension cords
• a ladder
• a light timer (optional)

1. Step outside and take a look around. Before you hang Christmas lights, you want to know what you are going to be working with. Take a look at the house, yard and anything else that doesn't move that you want to string Christmas lights around. Get some ideas.
2. Measure for the Christmas lights. If you are planning to go across the front of your home or around the garage door, take the time to measure. There is nothing more frustrating than getting home and getting halfway through hanging Christmas lights only to realize that you don't have enough. Get out the tape measure and get to work.
3. Purchase the Christmas lights. At the store, there are so many to choose from that it might be a little overwhelming. Today, more people are going with the LED lights because they last longer and will be better on the electric bill. Remember that it is the holiday season and time to make your home look amazing. You want to be happy with it every time that you turn on the Christmas lights, so choose the lights you like best.
4. Start with the area closest to the outlet. Remember, you may need extension cords for some of the areas. If you are placing the lights on some of the wood beams of the home you can use a staple gun to keep them in place. You can also use nails to hang Christmas lights. Be sure that there is no break between the lights as they move across the house. Use a ladder for the harder to reach areas.
5. Light up the yard. While you don't hang Christmas lights here, you still can have them wrapped around the trees and bushes. It can give your home a more complete look.
6. Attach any extras. If you want to have a wreath that lights up above the front door or garage, plug it into the hanging Christmas lights to keep everything on the same power stream.
7. When finished, wait for dark and step out into the front yard. Take a look at your hard work and be impressed. If there are any adjustments to be made, now is the time to do it.

Once you know how to hang Christmas lights, be careful, as your neighbors may be coming to you for a little holiday assistance.