Avoid Injury and Decorate Without Climbing on the Roof

Decorating for the holidays is a fun way to prepare for the season. However, decorating the exterior of your home with lights comes with a list of risks, including slipping and falling, or getting an electric shock. Avoid the risk this year and decorate your home in other ways that will bring the holiday spirit.

Spruce Up the Mantel

Adding decorations to the mantel is an easy way to decorate without having to climb on the roof. You can use fresh branches (most tree lots will give broken ones to you for free) or other greenery for a fresh and pleasant smell that looks great when you add a string of lights. If you plan to use candles on your mantel, avoid using branches as this is a fire hazard. You can use battery-operated candles or lights if you want to brighten up the space. Add your own personal touch with handmade decorations, such as wreaths, frosted pinecones, or papier-mâché trees.  

Use Lights Everywhere

Image via Flickr by Sean Loyless

There are simple ways to add lights throughout your home to create a touch of festive cheer. You could draw a decoration on a large canvas and poke holes in it to place lights, brightening the design. Fill empty wine bottles with lights, or string lights around wreaths and hang them on the walls. If you have kids who want to help with decorations, create simple garlands with holiday-themed Dixie cups and string lights through the bottom of each cup. Wrap a string of lights around several branches and hang them on the wall to create a modern tree.

Outdoor Lighting Options

You can still brighten up the exterior of your home without climbing on the roof. Line the driveways and walkways with bright lights that will illuminate your lawn. You can also use lights around windows on the main level or wrap them around planters that you keep outside. Net lights make it easy to cover bushes and tree trunks with colorful holiday cheer. Use a couple of strings of lights to frame the front door for an added welcoming touch. You can shop for various lighting options at Christmaslightsetc.com.

Trimming the Tree

If you have a difficult time getting the lights on your tree, you may want to consider shopping for a pre-lit tree. Some people don’t think a home is complete without a fresh tree, so if you fit into this group, you can also look into other options that don’t require a ladder. You could use battery-powered ornaments toward the top of the tree to illuminate that area, or loosely drape lights instead of climbing up to wrap them around the trunk. You can also skip the lights on the tree altogether and add a spotlight near the tree, or place it in a well-lit area.

As you prepare your home for this holiday season, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by using décor options that keep your feet firmly on the ground. You don’t have to sacrifice your favorite decorations.