Just for Fun

Types of Christmas Lights

Shendy

As the holiday season approaches, people become fascinated with the lights and decorations of the season. Homes and businesses alike are often decorated with many different types of Christmas lights. During the 17th century people placed candles on their trees at Christmas time. In the 1800's electric lights became popular and now there many different types on the market.

Christmas lights can be purchased in a variety of colors. A classic color for Christmas is white.

However, today there are lights available in colors such as blue, red, green, yellow, pink, and green. These lights come in a large range of sizes as well. There are quite a few different bulb styles available too.

In addition, there are also types of lights that can be set to glow continuously or can be set to blink for a twinkling light effect.

Christmas lights can be purchased to be used indoors or outdoors. A few of the types of outdoor lights available are regular strands of lights, icicle lights, and rope lights. Indoor lights, such as the ones used on Christmas trees, are usually regular strands of lights.

Over time, the bulbs used have changed. There are now LED lights available. LED lights offer a much more vibrant light than older strands of Christmas lights.

LED lights are also energy efficient and do not get hot. There are many stores and online retailers that sell a variety of lights. Christmas lights have a long history and have now come to be a fascinating and enjoyable part of the holiday season.

Designing your own Christmas light displays can be a rewarding and fun project for your family. There are many different types of Christmas lights on the market so you should be able to find some unique ideas for your home.

The Correct Way to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree

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Undoubtedly, Christmas does not feel the same without a rich green fir tree complete with twinkling lights amidst yuletide songs and family and friends. Of course, the real essence of the season is goodwill to all men; but surely the anticipation of good things to come is greatly helped by the festive atmosphere all homes endeavor to create. Here are helpful tips that show you the correct way to put lights on a Christmas tree so you can enjoy a safe and merry holiday.

If setting up Christmas trees is a family tradition you've always kept, then you probably have some lights stashed away in your basement or attic. Check to see their working condition. Busted bulbs you can replace but do so with caution; frayed wires you should never cover with tape. As much as possible, replace old and messed up lights with new ones- it is an investment well worth it.

The general rule of thumb in Christmas tree lights is to use 100 bulbs for every one foot of tree. That means for the average 7 ½ foot tree, you should use lights with 700 or 800 bulbs. Instead of buying one long strand of 800 bulbs, use shorter strands of lesser number of bulbs. Not only is it easier to hang up the tree; it will be simpler to find and fix broken bulbs.

Some people find it easier to start at the top of the tree and work their way down. Personally I think the best way on how to put lights on a Christmas tree is by beginning in the bottom tier first. This way you don't have to worry about having unsightly excess strands dangling at the tail of your tree.

Mark out a spot for your tree. If you are using an artificial tree, attach the first level and carefully wound lights around each branch as how you want it to look. Install the next tier and repeat process until you reach the top of the tree. Make sure that you use a sturdy stool to stand on, preferably with a friend nearby to assist you as you go higher in decorating the tree.

For a live tree, begin the same way running the cord in the center of the tree. Wrap the lights around the limbs, interweaving between the tips of every other branch. Drape the lights as evenly as possible as you go up the tiers. After setting the last strand in place, close the light of the room and step back to see the effect. Change and tweak the places that you feel needs altering and when satisfied, you can begin decorating; first with the garlands then finish it off with ornaments and Christmas balls.

Keep liquids and pets that can chew the cords away from the tree to avoid potential disasters. After the holidays, coil the wires around the cardboard of a large tissue roll; taking care to disentangle the cords thoroughly.

Now you know the correct way to put lights on a Christmas tree, you can enjoy the company of loved ones and the spirit of Christmas so much better don't you think? Enjoy the holidays!

How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree

Shendy

Even without a calendar I always know when Christmas is near. You can smell it in the air. People are cheerier, shops are brighter and homes are warmer. So companies try to make money out of it, will you let that dampen your Christmas spirit? Really, it's the season for merrymaking and where better to start than in your own home.

One of the best ways to usher in the season is by putting up-what else, a Christmas tree in your home. It is a well-worn and best loved tradition between family members. There are many times though that we all could do with a refresher course on basic things like putting up of holiday lights the best way possible. It has often been a matter of contention between alpha males and overly cautious women so here is a complete guide on how to put lights on a Christmas tree.

First of all, you need to get yourself a sturdy and handsome fir tree. If you have a synthetic one stashed up in the basement-- that will do. However, for a cozier feel, you can visit a Christmas tree store that open during the season in almost every area. Make it a family Christmas tradition by packing everyone in the car and choosing the perfect tree together.

Find a spacious spot for the tree. The living room or family den is the most recommended as it most used for entertaining. When setting up the tree, place it near the wall where you can plug the lights but far enough so you can walk its circumference comfortably as you decorate around it.

Do you have a theme for your decorations this year? Whichever motif you pick out, make sure the lights you have complement the look. Christmas lights come in different colors, shapes and sizes so you will have no trouble finding the perfect look to go along your tree.

If you have lights you use every year, bring them out and slowly unravel them, checking for burnt out bulbs frayed wires. It may be better to purchase new lights if the ones you have now are well-used. The general rule is 100 bulbs for a one foot. Measure your tree and decorations accordingly.

Run the cord along the spine of the tree and start hanging the lights starting with the bottom, wrapping them around the trunk and branches. Be creative in draping them leaving space for the other decorations you are planning to add. Do this at every level, until you reach the top part of the tree. Attach the extension cord at the last strand, strategically covering it well with the branches.

Plug the power cord in an outlet and take a few steps back to get a better perspective on the over-all look of the tree. Are the lights evenly distributed? Are there unsightly pieces sticking out that can be tucked away properly?

Make the necessary changes and add on the other decorations until satisfied. Now you know how to put lights on a Christmas tree safely and beautifully. Enjoy and let the season's good tidings keep you and your family well until it rolls in again next year.

Home Decoration Tips For Christmas

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Christmas is that time of year we all wait for, a time for giving and receiving gifts. It is that time of the year when the whole family gathers together to celebrate this joyous occasion. What better time to do up your house than now.

You may want to change the whole look of the house, changing your rugs and even doing some refurbishment or just clean it up from top to bottom. To change the whole look, work should be started a month before Christmas otherwise a nice paint job should do the trick.

A little creativity, planning before hand and color co-ordination with furniture and accessories should make your home attractive. Discard clutter or unwanted things from the house to show more open space. Furniture should be re-arranged to enhance the look of the place.

If your sofa appears too bland and you don't want to spend money on buying one then you can buy beautiful sofa covers or get them made and still get the look you want. Some lace or showy curtains and a grand rug that covers the sitting area would gel well with the decor of the room.

There are rugs especially designed for this occasion so you may want to want to get one of those for the Christmas period. Even if you do not want to get an area rug with a distinctly Christmas scene, you can still get one that features the colors of Christmas either in a monotone or an eclectic blend of red, green and white.

Since the living room and the dining room are the two places where guests will be entertained mostly during Christmas, these are the rooms that should be decorated the most though if you do have children they would surely insist on having their room decorated too for Christmas.

The Christmas tree is the first thing I would recommend, to decorate your home, as it is the main thing that a child looks forward to on Christmas day. Decorations made in the shape of mistletoes and bells, snowmen and Santa are lovely to hang around in the house. Try your hands at making them and later they can be proudly shown off.

Poinsettia's, Christmas candles and stockings placed or hanging from the mantel, at this time of the year, would add a touch of glamour to the room. A big Christmas wreath with hollies, bows and ribbons would be a welcome sight at the door.

The dining room is another place where the family meets and so would be the next place to decorate. A beautiful centerpiece on the dining table would be the highlight of this room, arranged with fresh or artificial poinsettia's and greens making it attractive.

Christmas candles decorated with flowers placed on the table along with little Christmas sweets or chocolates in different shapes like stars, Christmas trees, snowmen, Santa's, fruits, flowers, etc delicately placed in small baskets would look excellent, these come handy as 'give-aways' to adult guests especially since Christmas is the time for giving.

Christmas Decoration for Home Ideas Photo Galleries

Not forgetting your children and all the small guests who come by, at this time of the year, by placing fancy gifts near the Christmas tree.

Fun and Interesting Christmas Trivia You May Not Know

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There is no doubt that Christmas is one of the most awaited holidays in the world. Besides being the birthday of Jesus Christ, we know that this season would mean gift giving, lots of food and drinks, colorful streets and houses, Christmas carols, and so on. Countries may have different ways of celebrating the season, but if there is one thing that is true for all, it is that the season puts us in a very happy and festive mood. And this is one reason why we just love Christmas.

But as much as you know that the season is a time for sharing, for getting together, and for stuffs like Christmas trees, cards, carols, Santa Claus, and other things associated with Christmas, do you know the stories behind them?

Christmas Tree

Did you know that the custom of setting up a Christmas tree originated from Germany? This custom can be traced to 16th century Germany, when devout Christians had decorated trees into their homes. Moreover, it is believed that Martin Luther, a 16th century Protestant reformer, was the one who first added lighted candles to a tree.

Christmas Card

Did you know that the first Christmas card was made and posted in 1843? It was designed by John Callcott Horsley, a British artist. The making of the first Christmas card would have not been credited to him if a British business man did not commission him to do so. The British businessman was Sir Henry Cole, who did not have enough time to write all of his friends and professional acquaintances to greet them a merry Christmas. The card showed a picture of a family drinking wine together. Each of the two side panels showed an act of charity: clothing the naked and feeding the hungry.

Christmas Carol

Did you know that one of the oldest Christmas carols was put together in the 300s? It is believed, on the other hand, that the first recorded Christmas carol was written by Aurelius Prudentius, and it was entitled 'Of The Father's Love Begotten." And with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, Christmas carols became more popular. It is because the machine made it possible for copies of the carols to be reproduced easily. Furthermore, the 'Messiah,' which is one of the most popular carols of all time, was created by George Frederich Handel. He first performed the song in 1742, as a fundraiser for charities. Of course, who would forget the very famous 'Silent Night, Holy Night.' It was written in 1818, by a priest in Austria named Joseph Mohr.

Santa Claus or Father Christmas
Did you know that Santa Claus was based on a real person? He was Saint Nicholas, a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was known for his generosity. The belief that Santa Claus comes down the chimney and puts presents in stockings is said to be based on one of the notable things that Saint Nicholas did. Because he wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it, what he did was climb the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. And, it so happened that the purse landed in the stocking, which a girl had placed to dry by the fire.

Yes, Christmas and the things we associate with Christmas have interesting stories behind them. Isn't it nice to know the story behind the birth of the every Christmas card or the man behind the jovial and generous fellow we know as Santa Claus? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2562849

More Than 10 Tips to Plan Your Outdoor Christmas Lighting

Shendy

Are you an avid aficionado of Christmas lighting - or just want to be the best in your street? Well read on for my tips on how to have the best outside Christmas lights for this year's yard decoration.

1. Start early. This is the most important step. The most successful displays in your street have been planned for more than a year, probably the planning for next year starts when this year's lights have gone up. Here are a number of advantages to this, you have time to ponder your design, and make the most of any off season purchasing.

2. Plan, think and plan some more! Choose your theme; plan your layout on paper. Think about colors and types of lighting you will use. Do you animated Christmas lighting if so where? Will you need extra power outlets? Are you using bulbs (C7 or C9), LED or solar lighting? They each have advantage. For roof mounted displays, work out what supports are required and how to mount them.

3. Measure everywhere you want to hang outdoor Christmas lights, then add extra to make sure you have enough length of lighting

4. Work out the number of sets you need. This can be affected by the number of lights (and hence the length of the string) in each set. Also take into account that the length of the lights is not the same as the overall length of the set. Do you need any extra power cords, now is the time to work it out.

5. Decide if you need extra power outlets and get a qualified electrician to install them. If power outlets are to be under roof eaves, then consider having a switch installed somewhere convenient. Ensure all outlets outside and extension cables are waterproof.

6. Acquire your light sets; make sure that the light sets for outside use are rated to be used outside. Make sure you have plenty of the right kind of spare bulbs (if using incandescent C7 or C9, LEDs have a very long lifespan).

7. Before installing your lighting test all the sets. Better to find any faults whilst the sets are on the ground.

8. Prior to installing outside Christmas lights check any fixings that you have that may need to be replaced. Make sure you have the fixings you need to attach the lighting, such as screws, nails, clips or a staple machine. Make sure that all cables on the ground are safe( i.e. not laid in water).

9. Plan to put the lighting up early in the season when it is not so cold and busy. This also gives you time to make any adjustments necessary.

10. Ensure you have the right tools to hand, including a helper to hold the ladder.

11. Put your lights up. And enjoy.