Christmas is in the air. The sights, sounds and smell of the typical holiday items are beginning to pop up all around us. These signs point to the coming celebrations and households are mobilizing their resources to make this year special.

People pay special attention to the house decor. It takes a lot of creativity to create a strong visual impact. Utilizing xmas lights is one of the ways to make this happen. They literally illuminate the home and add life to the design. Anyone who sees it is sure to smile.

Xmas lights come in several different kinds. They are sold at all home improvement centers where they take center stage during the holiday season. Small twinkling lights are the most common but there are also icicle lights and mesh lights for wrapping trees.

The lights have an assortment of colors and blinking patterns. Choose the one that best suits the particular decor in mind. The budget will also have an influence on the type and amount of decorations which can be bought.

Operational cost is another issue since these lights are going to consume energy. Mini lights are preferred as they are more efficient and produce less heat compared to bigger bulbs. These are important considerations as xmas lights are often expected to stay on the whole night.

Experts suggest getting light strings with both male and female plugs which can be joined together in series, allowing them to be made as long as needed.

Light strings of 50 bulbs are preferred over 200 bulbs. The shorter ones are easier to replace if a bulb fails. Be sure to check whether the lights are UL-approved for safety. Follow the manufacturer's directions when installing them. Below are a few tips on using xmas lights:

1. Plug them to a matching outlet and use high quality extension cords which have circuit breakers. Better yet, get a timing switch that can turn them on at nightfall and off at midnight.

2. Before purchasing light strings, make thorough measurements around the house. Visualize the intended light paths and get those lengths so that the appropriate amount can be purchased.

3. Always put safety first. Many fires have broken out due to faulty lights so inspect the strings for signs of wire damage before usage. If a bulb is faulty, replace it right away. If the whole chain refuses to work, check the fuse.

4. Use a sturdy step ladder to hand the lights around the eaves. Ensure that it sits firmly on stable ground before putting weight on it. Have another person on standby for added support.

5. Use plastic hooks that clip to the edge of the gutters. Hang the lights from hook to hook along the eaves.

6. For window lights, use plastic clips with screws. They should be spaced about a foot apart. It is not advisable to staple the wires to the edge of the windows as this could accidentally damage the wires and create a fire hazard.