A full Christmas light show is everybody’s dream when decorating for Christmas. Although these displays can be daunting to arrange, the visual payoff is well worth the effort. There are several steps which can help you to produce your own light show.

- Do your research. What kinds of Christmas lights will you have? LED Christmas lights can save energy and money, and outdoor Christmas lights ensure that your lights will last in the harsh winter weather. What kind of software and technical tools will you need to program a spectacular show of holiday lights? Consider buying a multiple channel light controller and special lighting effects like icicles, net lights or animated yard displays.

- Complement your Christmas house lights with matching Christmas tree lights. These holiday lights will definitely brighten the Christmas season for the neighborhood. - Organize and develop your ideas by drawing out light patterns and decoration layouts. Take notes on how your DIY Christmas light display will be.

- Before you purchase the supplies for your own light display, figure out the cost of this project so that you are not caught by surprise when the bill comes in. Aside from the software and lighting supplies, you have to consider the cost for electricity and potential repairs.

- Set guidelines for your homemade light display. Decide when the lights will be turned on and off every day to maximize the effects without overwhelming your electricity bill. Some neighborhoods require homes to take down outdoor Christmas lights by a certain date after the holidays. Planning in advance will allow you to enjoy your Christmas lighting to the fullest extent without overstepping your budget or local regulations.

- After all this researching and planning, all there is left to do is to set up your light display. String up the lights, put up the displays, and plug it all in for a spectacular lighting effect that will illuminate your holidays.

If you are planning to have a light display this year, act early. Creating your own holiday visual spectacle takes quite a bit of time and planning. Once you’ve gone through all the steps, though, sit back and watch your neighbors try to compete with your festive decorations.

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