photo credit: Sergio Goncalves Chicago
As we all know, when it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations, there is never a time when it is too early to begin planning that outdoor look.

We spend time analyzing just what theme we want to use, planning the layout and the associated wiring, choosing that lively holiday music and finally finding the appropriate pieces to complement those we have already.

Once done, we then schedule the time to put everything into place. The really hectic activity usually starts the first day of November and is completed by Thanksgiving Day.

However, is that all there is to our Christmas planning?

We have all seen the ads geared to loosening our hold on our wallets. Many of those ads appeal to children with the hopes we will not deny them the latest “must have” of their heart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The use of outdoor Christmas decorations helps fulfill one of the objectives of the Christmas season. By adorning the outside of your home, you are sharing a bit of your joy and exuberance with the rest of the neighborhood.

photo credit: Beaukiss Steve

Growing up in a small rural community, there was not a big opportunity for outdoor decorating. If folks had a decorating budget at all, their money was spent on indoor decorating. Christmas trains running around the Christmas tree were popular. Department 56 style Christmas villages appeared as soon as the Thanksgiving celebration had ended. Christmas wreaths, candles, and bows seemed to appear from nowhere.

However, this did not stop me from trying my hand at outdoor Christmas decorations. As a result of a contest for selling newspapers, I won a set of outdoor Christmas lights. These were the huge C-9  lights, but that was all right with me. They gave me an idea.

My first attempt at outdoor lighting was to create a star out of plywood. After cutting out the pattern, I drilled holes to hold the individual lights. With this first attempt, I did not use any preservatives so this star was not an everlasting star.

Once the star was completed and the lights were tested, I affixed the star to an unused chimney on our house with wire, plugged it into an extension cord and waited for nightfall.

Read the rest of this entry »

Snowman decorations always add a little bit of spice and wonder of the winter season to your outdoor Christmas decorations. If you do not live in an area that gets a lot of snow at this time of the year or you just don’t want to spend time in the cold making your own snowman, this snowman yard art may be just the item you have been looking for. With quick 3-piece asembly you will be back in front of the fireplace in no time.

Icy Crystal Snowman Lighted Christmas Yard Art Item # 40426 Features a festively dressed snowman with icy crystalline finish Illuminated with clear mini lights Replacement bulbs and fuses provided Dimensions: 26″H x 20.5″W x 9″D Materials: Metal, acrylic, fiber UL listed for indoor/outdoor use 120V, 60HZ, 0.12A White cord, 68″ lead Quick and easy 3-piece assembly

(more…)

The magical kingdom of Disney comes to life with these Christmas lawn ornaments. Everybody loves Winnie The Poo and friends and this addition will add that magical ambience to your outdoor Christmas decorations. Let these loveable characters light up your lawn this Christmas. Share the magic of Christmas with your neighborhood by including Winnie the Poo, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Piglet, and Eyeore in your decorating theme.

Disney Winnie The Pooh & Friends Yard Art By Roman Inc. Item #169570 Illuminated with 150 clear mini-lights For indoor/outdoor use Dimensions: 42″H

(more…)

Are you looking for the perfect way to complement your outdoor Christmas decorations? The Holy Family figures are the central characters to any outdoor Nativity scene. Now you can display that Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus outlined in mini-lights right on your front lawn or porch.

From The Roman Lights Yard Art Collection From Roman Inc. Item #169888 The Holy Family is lit by 210 Mini Lights and includes Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus Easy to assemble and includes everything you need to put together in a snap Dimensions: 48″H X 66″W Material(s): Metal, PVC For Indoor/Outdoor use 3.5V

(more…)

Add a bit of mystique to your holiday decorations by including this sledding “Snowkid” as part of your outdoor Christmas decorations. This is one holiday decoration that will definitely fit in with your outdoor environment if your are fortunate enouth to live where snow is a possibility. If this isn’t the case, do what the ski resorts do when snow is lacking. Make your own snow through the use of a Snow Making Machine.

Woven Pearl “Snowkid” Lighted Christmas Sculpture Wire frame sculpture Features a snowchild clad in blue scarf and hat…ready for a toboggan run! Pre-lit with 70 random twinkling lights Set up and storage a snap Rust resistant wire One year manufacturer guarantee Plug in, UL Listed for indoor/outdoor use Materials: Metal, PVC, glass Approximate measurements: 24″H x 16.25″W

(more…)

As we mentioned in another post, when it comes to outdoor-lighted decorations for your Christmas holiday display, there is an abundance of product to choose from depending upon your particular tastes. We have looked at traditional and LED lighting. In this post, we will look at specialty lighting. In addition, we will provide some information related to lawn art as outdoor-lighted decorations. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to outdoor-lighted decorations for your Christmas holiday display, there is an abundance of product to choose from depending upon your particular tastes. In this post, we will look at some of the options available for your decorating enjoyment.

Traditional Lighting

• C6, C7 and C9 bulbs are the old standards for outdoor-lighted decorations. Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone has his or her own holiday traditions. For many, homemade Christmas decorations are high on the list. There is just something special about that handcrafted ornament or decoration that someone has taken the time and effort to make special. To the creator of the ornament and to the current owner of this decoration there is a special meaning. To an outside observer it may not look to be anything spectacular, and indeed, it may be something that is quite tattered and worn. However perhaps it was a gift from a loved one leaving for war. Maybe a young child saying “Merry Christmas” for the first time created the decoration.
Read the rest of this entry »

Decorating an outdoor Christmas tree is not significantly different than decorating an indoor tree. You choose your tree, choose your decorations, and decorate according to your chosen theme.

While safety is always a concern, you should be extra cautious when decorating outside where harsh weather elements can take their toll on your decorations.
Read the rest of this entry »