Is all Outdoor Christmas Lighting created equal?

The race is on to see who is going to have the best outdoor Christmas lighting display in the neighborhood. Dust off the old boxes and get those Christmas lights ready for another year of fun and festivities.

Before you can even begin putting those lights up, you have to engage in the tedious task of testing them out to make sure they still work, bah-humbug.

In the past you may have had Christmas lights that were made for indoor use. These typically looked like tiny bulbs linked up to one another on a string, like the ones you put on your Christmas tree.

Many people use these as outdoor Christmas lights, failing to realize that they are really made for indoor use.

Then you had outdoor Christmas lights that were larger in size and had bulbs that you could screw into the line and easily replace when they burned out.

These outdoor Christmas lights were usually a lot brighter than the ones made for indoor use.

Today we have new and improved outdoor Christmas lighting technologies that use LED lights which last longer, are much less fragile, and provide a more vibrant color than the incandescent Christmas lamps of the past.

These LED Christmas lamps not only look better, but they last longer and stand up to shock better.

If your thinking about decorating your home for the holidays, consider using LED Christmas lights.

8 ways to decorate your home like the pros do

The competition is fierce but you don't have to worry much because you have a plan and the tools to execute your plan.

1) Before installing even one Christmas light you must have a plan. Take some time and literally take a few steps back from your home's exterior, even go across the street if you have to.

Envision a lighting design that you would enjoy viewing had you been walking by your house at night.

2) Measure the wattage you will be using prior to installation. You may need to run the Christmas lights on different circuits if they require too much wattage.

3) Get inspired. Model your Christmas lighting design from other Christmas lighting displays that you love. Look online, drive around your neighborhood, take what you like and throw out the rest.

4) Finding the right outdoor lights for you needs is essential. I recommend you take a trip to a local Christmas shop to see what they have to offer. Take a look online, compare prices and different styles of Christmas lights available.

5) Create a neat layout. Using the right clips and hangers for your needs is key. You must know what type of Christmas lights you're going to be using as well as where you plan to put them.

Clips and hangers come in many styles. Don't skimp on this since they are very inexpensive and tend to make your life 100 times easier.

6) If you will be working on the roof make sure to anchor yourself to something. Buy a utility belt and harness that attaches to a fixed part of your home's exterior. Spending Christmas in a body cast isn't my idea of a fun celebration so take precautions seriously.

7) Don't over-do-it. Every Christmas light invented does not have to be on your front yard. Moderation based on your plans and landscape is key here.

8) Stick with one style if possible. Unfortunately every manufacturer makes their lights a bit differently. Colors may vary, styles change, etc.

For example, if your using LED lights try to stick to all LED lamps because having different styles may clash when you put it together.

It is always best to use the most energy efficient outdoor Christmas lights possible. They will not only save you a ton on electric bills but will allow you to link more Christmas lights onto one circuit without blowing a fuse.

You can also be proud of the fact that you'll be doing something good for the environment.

Adding the beauty of the holidays using outdoor Christmas lighting helps in sharing with others the joy you have for the holidays. Make it extra special this year and for years to come.

I invite you to take a look at the extensive selection of Christmas lights available for purchase. And please share with us your Christmas lighting masterpiece.

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