5 Tips to Light Up your House in Colorado Like Christmas Vacation

I’ve been a fan of the 'Vacation' movies for years. Our daughter asked my husband which Vacation movie was his favorite. His reply was 'Christmas Vacation.'

I’m not sure if it’s the wild antics of Clark Griswold and his family or the Christmas decorations that make this movie a favorite. I do think all the lights have something to do with it.

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Years ago, my husband said he’d like to eventually have our house done up with lights, like the Griswold’s. While it was funny in the movie, I’m not sure my neighbors would like that many lights adorning our house.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, during the holidays, there are approximately 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day. That’s nearly 15,000 people getting injured just by decorating for the holiday season.

Before you untangle those lights, here are some tips to help with your outdoor decorations. After all, we don't want you to be part of the aforementioned CPSC statistics.

Tip #1 - Bad Bulbs

If you have old light strings that have a bad bulb, don’t reuse the string. It’s time to get a new string of lights or even LED lights. I’ve never had luck with the replacement bulbs working anyway.

Tip #2 - Ladders

When using a ladder to hang your lights, it’s wise to have someone with you. They can help by keeping the ladder steady for you. If you have crazy dogs that get a case of the Zoomies, you don’t want them knocking you off the ladder. And if something does happen, your spotter can call for help if needed.

Tip #3 - Plan

Make a plan for your light display. If you hang them willy-nilly, chances are the display will look more like a mess than a well-thought-out presentation. (Some of the gallery pics, below, might help you formulate a plan.)

Tip #4 - Timing

Once you have your decoration plan, take your time. Don’t rush through it to get it all done in one day. Instead, take your time (if the weather allows) and do it right.

Tip #5 - How Much?

Christmas decorations are not a “go big or go home” thing. How much you decide to decorate is entirely up to you. While Clark Griswold covered his entire house with lights, you don’t have to. Of course, on the flip side, you don’t necessarily want to put a single strand of lights on a tiny shrub in your yard and be done.