5 Tips on How to Decorate Your Home Using Christmas Lights

Nothing says holiday cheer like a brightly lit house.

I’m not sure when this tradition first started, but I know it’s been around a long time. In our family, we do our best to get the lights up before December (although taking them down is a different story — sometimes, they’re still there in April) and we seem to build a larger pile of lights and decorations with each passing year. Putting the lights up is usually a fun family occasion, but sometimes you need that extra little boost in inspiration to make something new and unique for each year. Here are few ways!

Tips and Tricks

1. Search in Magazines

Some of the best ideas have come from magazines. It’s a great idea to look at some pictures of what other people have done and build on your own light display from there. More recently, the internet has become the go-to spot for creative Christmas light inspiration. There’s definitely no shortage of people who feel the need to post pictures of their own home on their blogs and websites.

2. Check out Youtube

If you need some entertainment during your search, look on Youtube for some crazy light displays that have been put up on homes. There’s a whole series of videos of lights synchronised to flash in rhythm with music, specifically songs from a band called the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. You can try to do the same thing on your own home if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way they’re fun to watch!

3. Mix up White and Coloured Lights

Different coloured lights can also make a huge difference. If you’ve been using primarily white lights in the past, mix it up a little with some red, blue, or green lights for a completely different effect. It’s surprising what a little change of colour can do to spruce up your display. Alternatively, try icicle style lights for an interesting look. These are strings of lights that have shorter light strings hanging down off of them, making them look like bright luminescent icicles running along the eaves of your roof.

4. Add some Scenic Display

Scenic displays are fun too if you have the funds for them. I’ve seen dozens of variations of Santa Claus, prancing reindeer, smiling elves, and more decorating people’s lawns and roofs. A lot of these have separate parts that flash at intervals, giving the appearance of, say, Santa going down the chimney or flying off in his sleigh.

5. Be Safe

When you’re hanging Christmas lights, be careful with your kids if they are helping you out. I would personally hate to see my kids going up on the roof, even under the watchful eye of my husband. Fortunately, they’re still too young for that, but please be as safe as possible when hanging your lights this year. You can let the kids help out around the bushes and trees while they’re on the safe, solid ground!

What are your Christmas lights display ideas?