I love seeing homes decorated for the holidays!
From twinkling lights to beautiful trees and greenery, there's something special about the way our Twin Cities neighborhoods look this time of year.
But some of our favorite traditions can cause problems for our homes.
The good news? You don't need to give up the decorations. A few smart choices can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your home safer.
Here are some things worth checking before you start decorating.
1. Hanging Decorations the Wrong Way
It's tempting to grab whatever tape, nails, or hooks you have handy.
But heavy adhesive strips, nails, and poorly placed hooks can damage paint, drywall, siding, and trim.
And Minnesota's cold weather can make some adhesives less reliable.
My advice: Choose hooks or clips made for the surface you're decorating. Check their weight limits and temperature ratings.
Never drive nails or staples through electrical cords. And avoid putting holes in your roof or damaging gutters just to hang decorations.
Festive is great. Surprise repairs in January? Not so much.
2. Overloading Electrical Outlets
Holiday lights, inflatables, and decorations can put extra demand on your home's electrical system.
A few things to remember:
Never overload an outlet or extension cord.
Don't connect extension cords together.
Check that your lights and cords are rated for where you'll use them.
Use GFCI protection for outdoor electrical decorations.
Replace damaged or frayed cords.
And please don't run extension cords under rugs or through doorways where they can get damaged.
Here's a simple home hack: Use a timer to make your decorations easier to manage. Just make sure lights are turned off when you leave home or go to bed.
3. Forgetting About the Christmas Tree Stand
If you love a real Christmas tree, remember that it needs water.
Check the water level every day.
And don't forget to watch for spills or leaks around the tree stand. Water sitting on hardwood floors or carpeting can cause damage.
A waterproof mat beneath the stand may help protect your flooring.
Keep your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, heating vents, and other heat sources.
A beautiful tree isn't worth a fire or damaged flooring.
4. Hanging Outdoor Lights Without Thinking About Winter
Minnesota weather adds another challenge to holiday decorating.
Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures are hard on outdoor decorations.
Make sure your lights and extension cords are rated for outdoor use.
Keep electrical connections away from standing water and snow. Secure decorations so they don't blow into walkways, vehicles, or overhead wires.
And don't climb onto an icy roof or ladder just to get the lights exactly right.
Sometimes hiring someone who has the proper equipment is money well spent.
5. Placing Candles Too Close to Decorations
There's nothing quite like the glow of candles during the holidays.
But candles near greenery, curtains, paper decorations, or other things that burn can create a fire hazard.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
Better yet, consider battery-operated candles. You can enjoy the warm glow without an open flame.
They're especially helpful if you have pets or young children around.
6. Forgetting to Check Your Decorations Before Putting Them Away
When the holidays are over, it's tempting to throw everything into a box and deal with it next year.
Before packing up:
Check light strands for damaged wiring.
Make sure decorations are dry.
Remove outdoor hooks and clips that shouldn't stay up all winter.
Check for damage to siding, trim, and gutters.
Store decorations somewhere they'll stay dry.
This is also a good time to pay attention to your home's overall condition.
If you're noticing strange sounds from your heating system, pipes, or other parts of the house, read my article on common house noises Minnesota homeowners should know.
Enjoy the Holidays Without the January Headaches
A welcoming home doesn't need to be perfect or covered in expensive decorations.
Sometimes the simplest traditions are the most meaningful.
And if you're spending more time enjoying your home this winter, you might also like my cozy at-home date night ideas for Twin Cities homeowners.
Whether you're celebrating in a new home in Hugo, hosting family in Maple Grove, or enjoying a quiet holiday in Shoreview, I hope your home is filled with warmth, laughter, and wonderful memories this season.
I'm Sarah Marrinan, a Lifestyle Real Estate Advisor serving the Twin Cities metro. I believe taking care of the home you have is just as important as making smart decisions when it's time to move.
Have a homeownership question or need help finding a qualified home service professional? I'm happy to be a resource.
Call Sarah First!
www.CallSarahFirst.com
651-964-0289
Safety resources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, U.S. Fire Administration, and National Institute of Standards and Technology.
