Top 5 Holiday Lighting Fails and How to Avoid Them

Decorating your home with holiday lights feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie – that is, until reality strikes. The ladder wobbles, the lights tangle, and suddenly you’re wondering why you didn’t just stick with a wreath on the door.

Even the best-laid lighting plans can turn into festive fails pretty fast. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

In this guide, we’re diving into the top five holiday lighting fails and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Let’s make your holiday display the talk of the block—for all the right reasons!

1. The “Lopsided Ladder Lean”

It starts innocently enough. You grab the nearest ladder, convinced it’s just tall enough to hang lights on that corner of the roof. Moments later, you’re teetering precariously, one foot on the top rung (which, let’s be honest, clearly says “Do Not Step”), and the other foot in a mild panic.

The result? Uneven lights, a bruised ego, and, in the worst case, a close call with gravity.

How to Avoid It

To avoid becoming a holiday meme, invest in the right ladder for the job. For single-story homes, a sturdy step ladder works wonders. Tackling a taller masterpiece? Go for an extension ladder that reaches comfortably beyond your roofline.

Here’s a pro tip for you: place the ladder on stable, level ground to minimize any wobbling drama. Also, don’t go solo! Recruit a trusty spotter (bonus if they bring hot chocolate) to hold the base and provide moral support. They can also tell you when the lights are crooked before you climb down and realize it yourself.

Safety trumps speed every time. A few extra minutes to set up properly could save you from an impromptu tumble. Because the only thing falling this season should be snow, not you!

2. The “Tangled Tinsel Trap”

Ah, the tangled ball of lights – a holiday rite of passage. You pull out last year’s lights with optimism, only to discover a chaotic knot. Hours of untangling later, you’re questioning your life choices and debating whether to call it a “rustic” look and leave it as is.

How to Avoid It

The real fail here is the lack of storage planning. To avoid this tinsel trap, store your lights like the organized genius you are. Use plastic bins or reels specifically designed for holiday lights.

For a budget-friendly option, wrap them around cardboard or even an old hanger. This small effort post-holiday ensures you’ll have stress-free decorating next year. Trust us, future you will thank you.

If you're already in a tangled mess, stay calm. Spread the lights out on a flat surface, gently tease out the knots, and avoid yanking; you’re just making it worse. Also, no one needs a snapped wire.

3. The “Too Much Extension Cord Chaos”

You would think all the extension cords you’ve put in will add to the “holiday magic”, yet they somehow end up becoming a “hazard waiting to happen.”

You have a beautiful light display dazzling under the snowy night sky, and beneath the sparkle is a jungle of cords so tangled and overloaded that it could double as a booby trap.

And let’s not even get started on the moment your overloaded outlet trips the breaker or burns out the sockets, plunging your festive masterpiece into darkness.

How to Avoid It

The first rule of holiday lighting is to respect the cord. Use proper outdoor-rated extension cords that can handle winter’s chill without cracking or fraying. Indoor cords simply won’t cut it when exposed to snow and ice, and they could pose serious safety risks.

Next, don’t overload a single outlet. Modern homes can handle a lot, but even the best circuit can only take so much. Spread out the power load across different outlets to avoid overheating and outages. If your setup involves a lot of lights, consider using a power strip with surge protection designed for outdoor use.

Finally, keep cords tidy and out of high-traffic areas. Use cable organizers or secure them with outdoor-friendly tape to avoid tripping hazards. For extra safety, elevate cords above areas prone to snow accumulation or water pooling.

4. The “Blinding Light Show”

Your next “Blinding Light Show” should come with a warning like in the movies. Too much? Well, we all love a dazzling holiday display, but there’s a fine line between festive cheer and your neighbours lodging complaints.

How to Avoid It

The secret to avoiding this fail: balance! Start with a clear vision of what you want your display to convey. Are you going for “cozy” or “extravagant”? Knowing your theme helps you plan where to focus your lights and how to keep the brightness under control.

Invest in timers and dimmers to manage your lighting. Timers ensure your lights turn off at a reasonable hour, while dimmers let you tone down the brightness as needed. This keeps your display “happening” without overloading the neighbourhood with unnecessary glare.

When adding layers of lights, choose a mix of softer white lights and pops of colour for a cheerful yet balanced effect. Avoid clustering all your lights in one area; spread them across the yard, trees, and house to create depth and harmony.

5. The “Weather Woes”

Winters here, in our part of Western Canada, don’t mess around. Between gusty winds, sudden snowfalls, and temperatures that make your breath freeze mid-sentence, your holiday lights can end up scattered like confetti in a blizzard.

Weather woes will often strike when least expected. And they do the most damage when lights aren’t secured properly or aren’t built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. One storm, and your carefully placed display is either buried in snow or dangling precariously from a tree branch.

How to Avoid It

All it takes is a little bit of planning. Start by investing in sturdy, weather-resistant light clips. These handy little tools keep your lights firmly in place, whether you’re stringing them along eaves, wrapping them around trees, or accenting bushes. Avoid the temptation to use duct tape – it may seem secure, but it doesn’t stand a chance against wind or moisture.

Choose waterproof and outdoor-rated lights specifically designed to handle snow, sleet, and rain. Indoor lights will fail you, and they are a safety hazard in wet conditions. Look for lights with durable, insulated wiring and seals to keep moisture out.

For added security, check your setup regularly throughout the season, especially after storms. A quick adjustment here and there can save you from larger headaches later.

Here’s a pro tip: keep your design practical. Avoid draping lights in areas prone to heavy snow build-up or along branches that are already bending under the weight of frost.

Twinkle Without the Tangle with Green Drop

Did you know you could bypass all these holiday fails and skip straight to enjoying a dazzling, stress-free display? At Green Drop, we offer professional holiday lighting services tailored to bring your vision to life.

With our Beautiful Twinkle Starter, Beautiful Holiday Radiance, and Beautiful Sparkle Delight packages, we’ve got the perfect option to light up your home this season – minus the fails. Whether you’re in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, or Saskatoon, book your package today, sit back and enjoy the sparkle!