Nothing is more festive at Christmas than
the lights people use to decorate their homes.
Lights can be used inside on real or artificial
trees, garlands, and wreaths. Outside, they
can be strung on trees, shrubs, windows,
gutters and eves. While traditionalists like
the old fashioned C7 and C9 colored bulbs,
there is now a much larger variety of sizes
and shapes of Christmas lights to choose
from. Most styles come in both clear and
colored models. Although some lights are
still made for indoor use only, most new
holiday light sets can be safely used both
inside and out. Check before you buy.
If you are thinking of using
Christmas lights,
consider the following:
- Strings of lights come in lengths from 25
to 200 lights. Look for strings that can
be plugged into each other. If you use shorter
strings, it will be easier to replace one
if a light burns out.
- Icicle lights have become very popular. These
strings of clear lights in a ragged pattern
can be installed on eves, gutters, railings
or fences, creating the illusion of hanging
icicles. They can also be used for great
indoor effects, especially on staircase banisters
or at the top of large mirrors.
- Specialty lights such as net lights, tree
wraps, and swag sets can quickly and easily
cover bushes, trees, and house railings.
These are especially useful in areas where
it is likely to be cold when the lights are
put up and taken down.
- If you are concerned about the amount of
energy your lights will use, consider buying
LED lights, which last longer and are more
energy efficient. These lights come in a
variety of styles, including traditional
C7s and C9s, minis, icicles, strawberry and
globe shaped, star bursts, and tiny rice
lights that twinkle like fireflies.
- Some light strings include a "twinkle"
feature that causes all of the bulbs to flash
in unison. Often times, this is accomplished
through a single twinkle bulb that can be
easily replaced to make the string stay lit.
All Christmas lights will be more convenient
if they are installed with a timer or light
sensor to turn them on and off automatically.
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