Get matched with top holiday decorators in Mission, SD

The most likely cause of accidentally flashing lights is that a regular bulb has been replaced with a flash bulb by accident. If that’s not the case, you should look for a bulb on the strand that is not quite seated properly and will lose its connection when it’s touched or moved.

There is no formal date for Christmas light removal, but January 2 is a standard day to take them down for many homeowners. However, some homeowners’ associations have strict rules around this topic, mandating that residents remove lights no later than two weeks after Christmas. Check with your local association or community for more information.

No, you should not leave LED Christmas lights up all year. While the LED lights themselves are very durable, their wiring and casings can be as vulnerable as any Christmas lights. They’re subject to drying out, experiencing cold or sun damage that causes them to crack, and even damage caused by gnawing pests. (The same is true of incandescents.) If you want your lights to last the years that they’re rated for, bring them inside after Christmas is over. 

The easiest way to hang Christmas lights on your roof is to attach them to your gutters, but there are plenty of user-friendly methods to try. You can use light clips to easily hook Christmas lights to your shingles, eaves, gutters, or soffit. However, using a telescoping pole is a surefire way to ensure your safety while hanging Christmas lights because it doesn’t require using a ladder or climbing onto the roof.