Economic considerations can also sway the thinking of those taking part in Christmas light planning. For example, a city might decide to use energy saving lights. By the same token, a city might feel compelled to do something a bit out of the ordinary. That phrase describes the Christmas lights in Santa Monica in December of 2009. Santa Monica officials decided to put blue lights on the limbs of leafless trees, trees that had been planted along a busy street.

While an unexpected sight, those blue lights do point out one very important aspect of Christmas light decorations. Lights can give any outdoor decorations, or even any natural features, an entirely new set of dimensions. The transformation of an object’s dimensions does not demand a large set of bright lights. Subtle lighting changes are equally effective.

Any group that has been charged with planning the outdoor Christmas lighting in a given area needs to ensure the maintenance of established safety standards. Do not put high watt bulbs in a socket that is designed for low watt bulbs. Check the wiring carefully before hanging the chosen lights. See to the safety of those who will be charged with actually hanging the lights.

With the benefits of modern technology even a homeowner that knows very little about electricity can look to programmed lights for creation of a changing light display. By taking the time to do some serious Christmas light planning, a homeowner can enjoy the sparkle and magic of indoor or outdoor Christmas lights. Of course, a really great light display can bring added traffic onto any given street.

Another of the benefits that technology has brought to the Christmas season is the ability to really model your Christmas lights in advance using computer software. Click here to check out one of the best selling programs available for this, ‘Christmas Lights Planner’ by Summitsoft. This lets you choose from a huge range of lights, and get a preview of how they wil look in your home.

Lot’s of people drive around the town, and there are several designated ‘circuits’ that you can follow to make sure you see all the best displays. However there is a lot to be said for rugging up and walking so you can linger here and there – although be warned, some parts of Lobethal can be a little hilly!

If you’d like to find out more about this festival, the details are on their website - whether you are a native or a tourist to the area this display is worth checking out. We have made it a family ritual for years and years!

It’s never too early to plan your Christmas light display and particularly for those with large displays in their home, the planning never really stops! Working together on an outdoor Christmas light display can bring a suburb together as well as creating some good-natured competition. As well as the sense of working together, some also find a benefit with increased tourist traffic to their areas.

For some, customising their own lights or creating complex devices as part of the display is all part of the fun. For others, collecting a range of commercial lights over the years, and looking out for unique items to add to the collection is the preferred approach. However it’s important to remember that your outdoor Christmas light display doesn’t have to be expensive. Many homeowners get into the spirit with a simple string of colored bulbs, a Christmas wreath, or some simple scenery in their yard like Santa figurines, snowmen, or Christmas trees.

Whatever you decide to set up this Christmas, you should be able to find some tips at this site. We will look at the types of light available, safety considerations, how to plan your Christmas outdoor lighting display and more, as well as taking a look at some wonderful displays from years past. So enjoy your visit, and I hope you come away with some ideas.

1. Know the neighborhood rules to hanging lights. Make sure you are allowed to hang lights in your neighborhood and follow any Homeowners’ Association rules.

2. How to Hang Lights. To have lights on a house, it is helpful to have an 8 foot stepladder for a one story home and an extension ladder for anything higher. If you home has rain gutter, plastic clips provide a great way to hang the strings of lights. If you are attaching lights to boards or work, cup hooks work well.

3. Give your Christmas light display a focal point. Have something in your display that draws the eye into the yard. Decide if it will be a certain area of the yard, a large window, or the roof.

4. Traditional Christmas decorations. Some typical displays include a wreath on the door, candles in the windows, white lights and red bows and garland on the front porch railing. Santa, reindeer and nativity scenes are used a lot for yard art.

5. Walkways and driveways. Lighted candy canes are a great way to decorate a walkway. Christmas lights can also be displayed in shrubs and trees to light up the walkway or driveway.

• Only use 1 adapter or power board per power socket. Don’t plug adapters into each other (“daisy-chaining”).
• Turn off any power sockets at the switch before you unplug lights or fixtures.
• If you find damaged plugs or cables, don’t try to repair them yourself. It’s better to spend a few dollars to replace the item, or pay a qualified electrician to repair more expensive items.
• Electricity and water don’t mix! Any outdoor Christmas lights must be designed for outdoor use. Avoid handling wet cables that are plugged in to the mains. Inspect cords that will be outside for any signs of wear before use.
• Use ‘kid safe’ socket caps on any vacant live power sockets, eg power boards or adapters.
• Make sure any children that might enter your Christmas display area are aware of electrical safety, and take steps to prevent access to live cabling.
• If replacing light bulbs in your display, be sure that you are using the right type of bulbs with the correct wattage.