Nothing can compare with that great feeling when you switch the switch. One second you are in the dark, and then your house is as bright as in a holiday movie. Behind that glittering scene, though, is not uncommonly a person on a ladder, swearing to himself as half the lights do not work–once more. Get helpful hints!

The fact is, installing the Christmas lights does not involve just carols and cocoa. It is fun, but also with frozen fingers and the depressing thought that you are standing on the same piece of gutter that you have already been standing on the third time. The secret to surviving? Have a plan. Even a quick sketch will help. You will regret it in the future when you are not tying yourself in knots because of a tangle of cords that resemble a cat caught in a Christmas tree.

It is not just a simple decision to pick your lights. Warm white lamps make it feel like it is a candlelit party, and multi-colored bulbs shout out holiday inspiration. LED are a better choice-they are more robust, energy saving and you will still have money left to enjoy the treats during your holiday. However, there is one important point to note here, it is never advisable to have various kinds of lights on a single strand unless you are willing to have a fuse blow and cause a great meltdown.

This is what all individuals fail to do: they hurry. Don’t. Take your time. Wear right clips as opposed to tape or nails. Tape will not adhere in cold weather and nails will only serve to do more damage than good. Locke your rhythm–clip, stretch, back, smile. Periodically (after every few minutes) check the spacing. What appears to be good at a closer view may not be so good in the distant view.

Timers, a round of applause to them. Once established they will deal with the rest. You will no longer have to get out in your pajamas in the middle of the night and turn off the lights. These little devices not only save your time, but also keep you warm and save you face.

And then of course there is the ladder. Oh, the ladder. All people have a neighbor, who made an attempt to stand on a trash can. Don’t be that person. It is important to use a firm ladder and someone should hold it firm and not to lean too far just to get to that final clip. Gravity is not cooperative when you are planning to get into a party mood.

The most interesting is when the lights eventually flicker on. And all the jangled cords and feeling half-numb fingers are well worth it. People stop and stare. Children point in awe. The whole world appears a little brighter.

And be ye hosted, with thy lights and patience, And perhaps with thy good-balanced friend. Be foolish, mend what has been torn, and make your house shine. It is not just a decoration–that twinkle, it is the Christmas spirit, and it dangles there in those bright, shining wires.