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 We’ve
all been there, it’s hard to come up with a different dazzling
display every year. Hopefully this article will give you some
inspiration. My Christmas gift to you!
The first thing you need to do is choose a theme, and I’m not
talking about using whatever you find in the garage. I’m talking
about a particular color scheme, particular characters like the
Grinch, Mickey Mouse, or Santa Claus or even vintage décor. You can
decide to just decorate with lights, use inflatables, use props, or
a combination of all those things.
A traditional theme consists of red and green and
maybe even some gold.
Nativity scenes that are spotlighted or lit are also a traditional
choice.
You may prefer a rustic outdoor theme with elegant foliage, frosted
greenery, deer, and lit birch branches.
A contemporary look would include LED lights, large
ornaments or lanterns, and possibly wire sculptures and/or wreaths.
Let your imagination and your inner child determine your theme and
soon you’ll be spreading holiday cheer to the whole neighborhood.
From full size Christmas trees on the deck to Santa hanging from
your gutter, get festive and show your holiday spirit. Keep it
simple. You aren’t in competition with Clark Griswold and NASA
doesn’t need to see your house from space. Simple Christmas lights
make just as big of an impact.
Secondly, you’ll need to know your budget. Inventory
the decorations you already have on hand and decide what you’ll need
to purchase. Consider re-vamping some of the items you already have.
A fresh coat of paint or some glitter can transform last season’s
decorations into something new and fresh with minimal effort and
expense. Thrifting is another great idea. You know what they
say….one man’s trash is another’s treasure. If you want a display
that covers your entire yard it might also take up your whole
budget. Inflatables are generally costly and often succumb to the
elements. Projectors seem to be on the rise and can fill every inch
of your home or business exterior with holiday magic. Consider only
decorating the porch area or the mailbox. Efficiency is another
budget item to consider. LED lights are going to be brighter, more
energy efficient, and last longer than the incandescent bulbs of the
past.
The next thing you’ll need to consider is how much
time you have to invest in the project. Here is where the problem
with holiday decorating lies with most people. Commercials,
magazines, and Hallmark movies depict actual winter wonderlands or
candy cane lanes with life size animated Santas waving at you as you
drive past. If you have just as much time as Christmas Spirit, then
by all means go all out, but if you need to razzle dazzle in a
flash, I’m pretty sure Santa will still stop. Pathway lights, net
lights on the landscape bushes, or outlining the exterior of the
building are all great ways to light up the night in the blink of an
eye.
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In today’s busy society there are holiday decorating
companies that will come string your outside lights for you.
Hallelujah Holiday Lights was founded in Athens, IL by two brothers
that had a passion for brightening up the holiday season. They serve
Central Illinois helping make home and business owners’ holiday
dreams a reality. Their crew has been helping to light up Lincoln.
For more information you can visit their website at Hallelujah
Holiday Lighting – We Brighten Your Holidays, One Bulb at a Time
Finally, you need to consider the durability of your decorations.
Outdoor decorations are subject to a variety of weather conditions
that can damage or ruin them. Choose durable items that can
withstand harsh weather conditions. Look for durable materials such
as metal, plastic, or weather resistant material. Securing your
decorations properly is important and will keep them from blowing
away. Use of hooks, clips, or zip ties can help your decorations
withstand even the strongest winds. This extra step will ensure that
your decorations can be used for more than just one year. Safety
should always be a top priority, and GFI (ground fault circuit
interrupter) outlets should be used. These outlets are designed to
protect against electrical shock. Using a GFI outlet gives you peace
of mind and ensures the safety of your display.
No matter what you decide, let the joy of the holidays transform you
and lift the spirits of those around you. You can make decorating a
family activity and create memories that your children will cherish
for years to come. May the joy of the season touch your heart and
enable the magic of Christmas to shine in your life and your home.
Lesleigh Bennett
https://www.balsamhill.com
https://www.rd.com/list/outdoor-christmas-decoration-ideas/
https://www.ollny.com/blogs/inspiration/5-ways-to-weatherproof-your-christmas-decorations
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