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7 Tips for Saving Money and Time on Christmas Lights and Decorations
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, and nothing enhances the festive spirit quite like beautifully decorated Christmas lights. However, the process of putting up and maintaining these lights can sometimes be a pricey and time consuming task. Fear not! In this article, we will share seven invaluable tips to help you save both money and time on your Christmas lights and decorations. With these tips, you'll be able to transform your home into a winter wonderland year after year with the lowest total cost of ownership.
1) Store Your Lights Carefully
Proper storage of your Christmas lights is essential to prevent tangles and damage. Invest in storage solutions such as light reels or plastic bins with dividers to keep your lights organized. For string lights, we always recommend rolling them into a ball like you would a ball of yarn (ie not like a donut with whole in the middle!). Label each strand to easily identify them next year, and store them in a cool, dry place to keep moisture and critters out while extending their lifespan.
2) Purchase High-Quality Commercial LED Lights and Decor
Investing in high-quality commercial LED Christmas lights and decorations may seem like a bigger initial expense, but it will save you money (and time!) in the long run. Commercial grade LED Christmas lights like those from The Christmas Light Emporium are more energy-efficient, more durable, and have a longer lifespan compared to the retail grade lights found at most big box stores. They also produce brighter and more vibrant colors, making your display look more professional and eye-catching.
3) LED Christmas Lights versus Incandescent Christmas Lights
LED lights are a popular choice for Christmas decorations due to their numerous advantages over incandescent lights. They consume up to 80% less energy, which can translate to significant savings on your electricity bill. LED lights also emit less heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards and making them safer for indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, all of the LED strings that we sell at The Christmas Light Emporium use single molded bulbs, thereby eliminating the ability of moisture getting into the sockets like it often does with retail grade removable LED and incandescent string lights that have removable bulbs - saving you the time and headache of troubleshooting and repair.
4) Create Your Design and Plan Ahead
Before diving into the decorating process, take some time to plan your design. Consider the theme, color scheme, and placement of lights and decorations. Sketch out your ideas and measure the areas you plan to decorate to ensure you purchase the right amount of lights and accessories. Planning ahead will save you from unnecessary purchases, buying too few or too many, and will help you achieve a cohesive and visually appealing display.
5) Use the Right Tools
To save time and effort during installation, make sure you have the right tools at hand. Use Christmas light clips, adhesive hooks, or gutter hooks to securely fasten your lights without damaging your property. A sturdy ladder, extension cords, and a timer can also simplify the installation process and make it safer. Moisture protection is also important and using tools like extension cord gaskets and plug caps can help keep moisture out of your wiring and your display running without issue.
6) Take Advantage of Sales
Keep an eye out for summer and early season sales, pre- and post-Christmas sales, and especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Many retailers (including The Christmas Light Emporium) offer significant discounts on lights and decorations during these periods. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these sales, you can save money while still achieving a stunning professional quality display. Be sure to sign up for our notification list at bottom right of this page and you'll always get notified of money saving opportunities at The Christmas Light Emporium.
7) Sign Up For and Utilize Loyalty Programs
If you have a favorite store for Christmas lights and decorations, check if they offer loyalty programs. Signing up for these programs can provide you with exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and personalized recommendations. Additionally, some stores may offer rewards points that you can redeem for future purchases, allowing you to save even more money. Check out Red Suit Rewards at The Christmas Light Emporium.
With these seven valuable tips, you can save both money and time on your Christmas lights and decorations. From storing your lights carefully to using high-quality LED lights, planning ahead, and taking advantage of sales and loyalty programs, you'll be well-equipped to create a beautiful and festive display without breaking the bank. Embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of Christmas with dazzling lights that are easy on your wallet and will create memories for years to come.
