When you picture Christmas, your vision probably involves lights strung from one end of the house to the other, a perfectly lit tree, festive music playing in the background, and family members causing a commotion in their anticipation for Santa Claus. Should your electric circuits become overloaded or a winter storm approach, how much would a lack of electricity affect that vision? It's amazing how quickly joyful bliss can turn into utter disaster during the holidays.
One way to avoid this mess is purchase a backup generator. This is a "just in case" essential that could become useful at any point in the year. Additionally, there are some tips you can follow to make sure your lights are hung correctly and safely:
- Don't risk your safety by trying damaged extension cords or string lights. If you can't repair them, throw them away and buy new ones.
- Putting your lights on a timer saves you the hassle of turning them all on and off. A timer can also help prevent fires and save you money on your electric bill.
- Try a dedicated circuit for your lights. Otherwise, you run the risk of overloading a circuit.
Of course, the best way to avoid a blackout on Christmas is to have an emergency generator.
Where to see Christmas lights
If you'd like to take your family out to see some professional lights this season, here are some local spots that are said to be truly spectacular:
- Arasapha Farms, Delaware County
- Peddler's Village, Bucks County
- Longwood Gardens, Chester County
- Linvilla Orchards, Delaware County
- Christmas Village at Love Park, Philadelphia
- Yuletide at Winterthur, Delaware
