Bright Ideas: Safe and Stunning Holiday Light Tips for Every Homeowner
My family and I just watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation; we were all entertained and aghast at the 25,000 twinkling lights Chevy Chase puts up on his Chicago house. Damaged wires, blown fuses, and that one elusive light that isn’t screwed in properly all make this a daunting task. Who in their right mind would do this? Someone with wonder, with commitment, with a competitive edge.
In our home, we vie for colored flood lights, and typically wind an obscene amount of lights around one exterior tree for a showstopper. But no matter what, the tradition is longer than any living person remembers, and it’s a great way to boost curb appeal and build community.
The first strand of electric holiday lights dates back to 1882, when Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, installed them in his parlor window to beam at the passersby. The tradition of holiday lights however, began centuries ago, rooted in ancient winter solstice celebrations. People lit candles and bonfires to bring light to the darkest time of the year, symbolizing hope and renewal. By the 16th century, Germans began adorning Christmas trees with candles, representing the stars or divine light—a practice both beautiful and hazardous!
Much like the candle traditions that predated it, this soft glow that we return to at night creates what Danish culture has named “hygge.” I discovered this idea in the book Living Danishly, and lately I’ve reveled in it. “In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cosying up with a loved one for a movie is hygge.” (visit Denmark) And isn’t that what holidays are about?
But why do I bring this to your attention? Because you may be putting up holiday lights, and I’ve got some tips to keep your home feeling more Hygge, and less Horseplay.
Ideas for Decorating Your Seattle Home
Seattle’s mix of architectural styles—from Craftsman bungalows to modern townhomes—offers endless opportunities to craft a holiday display that reflects your personal style. Here’s how to make your home shine:
Highlight Your Roofline: Use C7 or C9 lights to outline your roof’s peaks and eaves for a polished, professional look.
Wrap Trees and Shrubs: Mini LED lights work beautifully for wrapping smaller trees or shrubs, while net lights can easily cover larger bushes.
Create Pathway Magic: Line walkways and driveways with staked lights or rope lights for a welcoming glow.
Showcase Your Porch: Add lights to railings, columns, and door frames, incorporating wreaths or garlands for a festive touch.
Stick to a Theme: Whether it’s classic white lights, vibrant multicolored strands, or whimsical shapes like stars or snowflakes, choose a consistent theme to tie your display together.
Safety First: Tips for a Worry-Free Display
A stunning display starts with proper planning. Here’s how to ensure safety and avoid common pitfalls:
Inspect Your Lights: Check all strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs before installation.
Plan Power Usage: Use LED lights to reduce energy consumption and avoid overloading circuits. A typical household circuit can handle up to 1,440 watts (80% of its capacity).
Secure Your Fixtures: Use outdoor-rated clips for roofs and railings to prevent lights from detaching in Seattle’s rainy weather.
Mind the Ladder: Always use a stable ladder and enlist help when hanging lights in high or hard-to-reach areas.
Invest in Timers: Automatic timers ensure your lights turn on and off at set times, saving energy and adding convenience.
Planning Your Holiday Display Like a Pro
Take a cue from the experts: planning is key to a dazzling and stress-free holiday setup.
Photograph Your Home: Take a wide-angle photo to map out where lights and decorations will go.
Measure Everything: From rooflines to pathways, accurate measurements will prevent overbuying or falling short.
Test Lights Early: Plug in all strands before installation to ensure everything works.
Shop Smart: Purchase lights and accessories during pre-season sales, and opt for long-lasting LED options to save money over time.
Store Carefully: After the season, wind lights neatly around a flat piece of cardboard or store them in individual bags to prevent tangles.
Let Your Home Sparkle This Season
Holiday lights don’t just brighten your home—they elicit Hygge, create a sense of warmth and welcome for all who pass by. They enhance community, neighborhood, and a strong neighborhood increases property values. As a Seattle-area realtor, I love helping homeowners make their spaces shine, inside and out. If you’re thinking about selling, take a picture of your home lit up for the holidays, it might just make the sale for that early January buyer! If the one thing on your Chritmas list this year is a new home, I’m happy to help you find one you can turn into your own wonderland next winter.
Reach out anytime, and let’s make your home the brightest spot in the neighborhood.
