Menu:

Holiday Decorating Tips

Well, I don't profess to have the time to create something like these folks, but you can still light up the house with a few hours and some imagination.
  • Check the lights.  Before you do anything else, take out those lights and check each strand then organize by color.  Make a note of how many additional strands you may need to purchase and what type you want.  Ice-cycles, mini-lights, old fashioned C7 bulbs or something else?   This task is a good one to take on in front of a good holiday movie on TV with family to help out.  Make it fun and if a strand is out, toss it out.  Lights are so inexpensive it isn't worth the stress of trying to find that burnt out bulb. 
  • Sketch out your plan.  Draw a rough sketch of your house.  I use colored pencils to draw lines showing where I will place each color of lights.  Don't forget to include any yard art you may have or want to purchase.
  • Gather the family.  Get everyone into the act.  Even the youngest can help by being runners for older family members.  Have a pot of hot chocolate, or other beverages depending on your location and temperature, and I love to put on a holiday CD to help us all get in the spirit.  One year my older son even showed up in a Santa hat and beard.   Don't forget the cookies to keep everyone energized and on task.
  • Be sure you put up your sketch but be open to last minute ideas or changes.  Working together helps get the job done quickly and creates memories that will last a lifetime.  When you are done, bring out that crock pot full of homemade stew, and some of that homemade bread and picnic on the yard as the sun begins to fall.  Be sure you can flip the switch at dusk to you and the family can enjoy their work.
Remember, it is all about family.  You perfectionists out there, let it go.  Holidays are not about perfection.  No one but you will ever know that the red strand of lights ended up where the green should have been and I am sure it will still be beautiful.