Outdoor Christmas lights are a time-honoured tradition for most homeowners and a great way to make your home look festive for the Holiday season. To make the job of installing them easier and safe, here are some helpful tips.

1. Have a plan

Figure out where you want your lights and measure those areas to determine how many lights you need. Keep in mind how far you want lights spaced. Also, plan how to connect power to your display and how many extension cords you need.

2. Use outdoor-rated products

Anything you use for outdoor lighting should be rated for outdoor use in order to withstand moisture and extreme temperatures. This includes lights, timers, extension cords, connectors and lightboxes.

3. Inspect lights

Before you start, check your lighting and discard anything with signs of wear or damage. Test the lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

4. Use a ladder safely

Set ladders on dry, even ground and avoid long reaching. For long extension ladders, have a partner hold the ladder from the bottom.

5. Electrical safety

Use a safe power source closest to the location of your light display and determine if you will need exterior extension cords. Be careful not to overload the circuit. If you want to put up a lot of lights, you may need more than one power source.

6. Avoid tripping hazard

Run cords along walls and avoid running them across traffic areas where they are a tripping hazard. If you have to run a cord across a walkway, tape it down with weatherproof tape or use an outdoor cable cover.

7. Elevate connections

Where two cords come together, keep that connection elevated and out of standing water to prevent electrical issues.

8. Hide cords

Conceal excess cord length in gutters, behind downspouts and architectural details, or woven into natural features like bushes and trees. Use zip ties or velcro straps to secure excess cord so it’s easier to tuck away.

9. Keep your hands free

Use a toolbelt to keep your hands free while using a ladder.

10. Start from the top

It will be easier to start hanging your lights from the tallest peak of your house and work your way down.

11. Turn off lights

Before you go to bed or leave the house, turn off all lights.

12. Storage

To store Christmas lights at the end of the season, wrap each strand around a flat surface like sturdy cardboard or a storage reel and secure the ends with tape or zip ties. Place wrapped lights in labeled plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to protect them from moisture and pests.