Electric Christmas lights have been around since the 1880’s. It is no wonder they are still around and being enjoyed by so many. Using lights at Christmastime is not only a tradition; it is truly what turns boring streets into winter wonderlands and plain houses into gifts for everyone who drives by. Lights are the easiest way to decorate with the most impact.
Lights give anyone an opportunity to express their personal style and festive mood. You can use them indoors, outdoors, even on your car or boat. A good place to start lighting things up is to start with your Christmas Tree. The general rule for deciding how many lights to use on a tree is to use 3 strands for every one foot of tree. Experts are now saying it is easiest to hang lights in an up-and-down pattern as opposed to the traditional wrapping around method. Either way you should start at the top.
There are several opportunities to display lights in your home. You can purchase pre-lit trees, wreaths and battery powered strands to use on tables, in dining rooms, and even bedrooms. Use battery powered lights in craft projects or to tuck into houseplants, and candle groupings. Don’t forget doorways and inside the windows at the front of your house. Christmas lights can also include the use of candles and lanterns for an extra intimate touch. Using multiple types of lighting will give your home that cozy and traditional Christmas feel.
Most styles of Christmas lights are available for indoor or outdoor use. Just be sure you use the correct type of lights for the location you have chosen. There are so many types of Christmas lights; you will have a hard time choosing. They come in traditional bulb styles, fiber optics, rope lights, mini lights, icicle, LED, micro and novelty styles. All of these come in a multitude of colors and shapes. If you imagine your Christmas light fantasy, you can put it together with what’s available today.
You cannot talk about lights without talking about safety. Buy only those lights approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Never connect more than one extension cord at a time. Always unplug your lights when you leave home or go to bed and keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
For more ideas for decorating with Christmas lights, visit http://www.just-Christmas-decorations.com/Christmas-lights.html
Roxie Radford
http://www.just-Christmas-decorations.com
