Whether you’re looking to have yourself a small little holiday display or shamelessly trying to keep up with the Griswolds, there’s no doubt a well-planned light display is a mainstay of the season. Holiday lights represent all that is jolly and bright. 

Our ancestors, and some places in Europe use candles to light up Christmas trees–yikes! As you can imagine, fires started easily and often, with homeowners having buckets of water on hand to help battle a sudden blaze.

The beginning of electricity saved many a tree and fewer and fewer Christmases went up in smoke. We have Edward H. Johnson to thank for that. In 1882, Johnson—an associate of Thomas Edison—dressed up the first known electrically-illuminated Christmas tree with 80 custom made walnut-sized incandescent bulbs in red, white and blue. His look caught on and by 1900, businesses were dressing their window displays with the colours of the holiday. Lights became affordable and commercially available    for households in the 1930’s.

To help you on your merry way, here are some tips and tricks for planning the perfect display, ways to save money on your energy bill and holiday light safety 101. 

Tips And Trends In Holiday Light Displays

Fail to plan, plan to fail. One of the most important things to remember when thinking about a holiday light display of epic or average proportions is creating a master plan. Make sure to have a good idea of the look you want to achieve before you start decorating to avoid disappointment. This is where that high school math may come in handy; measure twice, cut once. Take some time to calculate how many light strings you’ll need and what accessories you need to pull it off–this will save you multiple trips to the stores during high season. Don’t forget key accessories like light clips, extension cords and timers. 

Smaller And Brighter Is Key

Energy efficient LED lights are gaining popularity as consumers look for bulbs and cords that nestle seamlessly into structures, trees and holiday wreaths or lawn ornaments.  You can also find battery-operated options, perfect for lawn displays or hard-to-reach corners. 

If possible use LED lights over incandescent. The disadvantage with incandescents is you end up paying more in electricity costs. Incandescents are inefficient since 90% of the energy goes toward heat and only 10% toward the actual light. Using about 1/10 the wattage of incandescents and lasting up to 10-times longer, a display of LED lights will help you save on your energy bill for the season and last years with proper care and storage. 

Be Smart About It 

There has been a shift towards smart home and customized light shows. People want a custom light show and they want to show it off in a big way. Make use of your current infrastructure by integrating your display with your smart home technology.

Impress the neighbours by setting the flicker pace to a classic holiday tune, or changing the colour scheme on demand. You can have the flexibility to match your lights to your house design and colour scheme while being able to use lights for multiple occasions. 

Choosing Your Holiday Light Style

The great thing about creating your own holiday light extravaganza is the ability to entirely switch it up the following year with little cost. That being said, it’s important to know your options before heading into your local hardware store and becoming mesmerized by all the pretty lights—just like you should never go to the grocery store on an empty stomach. Here are a few options to consider:

• Turn your outdoor holiday display into a winter wonderland with icicle or snowflake-shaped lights. 
• LED projection spotlights require no installation, are a timesaving alternative to traditional string lights and are available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. For a small price, you can fill your entire house with colour-changing starfields or amazing animations and effects. Or use rope lights which are typically much brighter than regular lights and create a very futuristic look, perfect for outlining doorways, windows, trees and walkways.
• If you’re after a timeless look, think about investing in a variety of string lights in hues of white and incorporating subtle pops of colour like blue, green or red. You can find a variety of options including strings with large bulbs, mini lights or nets. 
• If you’re looking to get the kids excited about decorating for the holidays, consider a lawn inflatable or two. 

Tip: Not all white string lights are created equal. There are noticeable variances in the temperature of the glow, some are cooler and give off a blue-ish tint while others may be a warmer yellow. 

Tips For Installing Holiday Lights 

Now that you’ve created your master plan, it’s time to deck the halls. There are a few things to remember when installing holiday lights in the name of safety and sanity. First and foremost, check your lights. Make sure there are no exposed wires or broken sockets and test each string to ensure the lights are all working and replace any bulbs that have burned out. 

Check your surroundings, make sure you know where your kids and pets are at all times. You’ll likely be scaling a ladder and tools may fall in the process. 

If you’re connecting strings of lights together, avoid connecting more than five or six strands end to end and overloading the circuit. Always avoid pulling the strands too tight in order to reach an outlet. 

Practice good etiquette when deciding on the placement of your holiday lights and decorations. Make sure your decorations are not blocking sightlines for drivers or neighbours to the street. If using music or sound effects consider only turning it on during evening hours, but going silent by 8 or 9 p.m. 

Use the right gear when attaching lights to your home’s exterior. There are a variety of light clips and hooks to be found at your local hardware retailer that are suitable for attaching lights to your eavesthroughing or shingles.

Finally, take your lights down and store them properly once the season is over. The exposure to harsh weather over a period of time can cause damage to the wires, lights and sockets. Plus, your neighbours won’t be too pleased. 

Tip: To store holiday lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard and then wrap tissue paper around the lights to protect them and keep them dry. 

So start decorating and installing your holiday lights. 

 Have a Happy Holiday Season! 

This holiday season is going to look very different, and celebrating in-person is going to be limited. But don’t let 2020 steal the fun.

This year, bring people together virtually for an online Christmas Eve or Christmas Day gathering. Send out Christmas care boxes to family, with a pair of PJs, hot chocolate mix/tea/coffee and a download familiar holidays tunes, so that even though your far apart, your linked together.

Create special holiday memories — virtually and safely. Holidays are a great reminder that we are all in this together.

Look Like A Star

Instagram stars look great in their videos — by using a ring light to create a soft glow. Want to look your best when Skyping with family and friends? Get yourself a ring light — add it to your mobile device when virtually visiting for lots of fun.

The Taste of Canadian Christmas

The Nanaimo bar, invented in British Columbia in the 1970s, can be found in the freezer sections and make an easy, no-bake addition to your festive dessert platter. If your area has a Christmas treat special to it maybe add it to your care box. Or make sure your virtual guests have a similar treat to enjoy.

A Safe Self-Serve

The beauty of a single-serve beverage machine is that those in your visiting bubble can safely social distance while helping themselves to their favourite hot beverage whether it be coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Lights, Camera, Celebrate

The holidays are celebrated in many ways. During Hanukkah, candles are lit over eight days, the perfect opportunity to create a virtual candle lighting event for eight nights in a row!

Merry Christmas To All

Get the family “together” and have grandma or grandpa read, “A Night Before Christmas.” Before St. Nick comes to visit.

Santa Via The Post

Sending out your own Christmas care packages? Here are tips for packaging and for getting them to their destination on time.

* Keep the outside of parcels free of string, ribbons or cords.

* Line the inside of the package with a plastic bag to keep dampness like rain and snow away from precious gifts.

* Canada Post’s mail-by guide lists these deadlines: 

Local parcels posted by Dec. 18; 

Regional packages posted by Dec. 15  

National parcels posted by Dec. 9. *THAT'S TODAY!

But I wouldn’t wait that long if you can help it as this year is going to be a busy one for deliveries.

There are endless ways to decorate a bedroom, but the room should above all encourage relaxation and sleep. A good night’s sleep is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. Here are some effective ways to create a calm and relaxing environment in the bedroom.

Opaque Window Coverings

Blackout shades are recommended for bedroom windows. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, and it needs darkness to do so effectively. There are many options for blackouts that filter enough light so you can wake up in the morning naturally to sunshine yet provide sufficient privacy during the day.

Calming Color Palette

Many people prefer warm colors over cool ones, but when it comes to the bedroom, cooler hues are the better choice because of their calming effect. Blue, lilac and cool shades of gray promote rest, while warm tones can often be energizing and more likely to keep you up at night.

Minimal Decor

Even though your eyes will be closed when you go to sleep, if you have too many distractions in your bedroom, it may be hard to actually fall asleep. It’s wise to get rid of the clutter around your bed. Keeping your bedroom clear of distractions will help you clear your mind at the end of a long day.

Properly Positioned Bed

Positioning your bed so it’s one of the first things you see when you walk into a room is a great way to invite you into the space. However, if your windows have a view consider having your bed so that it faces the view. Just make sure to purchase those blackout shades.

Safe Circulation

Ensure that you leave enough room around your bed so that you aren’t bumping your shins or stubbing your toes when getting in and out of it. Consider the actual dimensions of the bed frame when purchasing a mattress, not just whether it holds a twin, full, queen or king size.

Adjustable Lighting

Bedside lighting is critical. Soft, soothing lighting is ideal for a bedroom. Having light fixtures on a dimmer is also a smart move since it lets you regulate the amount of light. Adjustable sconce lighting is a great option because it allows you to keep your nightstand neat and tidy, and it can be positioned to provide optimal lighting for reading in bed.

Expressive Headboard

You want to keep your room free of distractions and other stimulation, think about using an interesting headboard. This is an opportunity to express your creativity. If not a headboard, then think about installing an interesting item above your bed. It’s also important to consider what your headboard will look like to you when you’re lying down on your bed. Is it distracting? Will it affect the way you sleep? Remember, achieving a good night’s sleep is key.

Quiet Ceiling Fan

Fans help provide good circulation and fresh air, which will help you get a good night’s sleep. It’s not imperative to have a fan, but it’s certainly a bonus to any healthy bedroom. Just be sure to find one that makes as little noise as possible.

Peaceful Artwork

In keeping with the theme of creating a relaxing environment, it’s important to choose art that’s calming and sleep-inducing. Choose your art wisely, and keep it sparse in your bedroom. Again, you don’t want too many distractions.

No Tech

Banish the television, computer and exercise equipment from the bedroom. To make it a peaceful haven, you need to ensure that you aren’t bringing your work to bed with you. Creating an oasis devoid of technology will allow you to connect better to your natural biorhythms.

The cold weather will put our mental fitness to the test this year, so here are some ways to prepare for the challenge. Waking up to several centimetres of snow or a grey raining day shows us that there is no doubt winter's on its way. 

With the days becoming colder and shorter, experts have been trying to get the message out that we all need to prioritize our mental health as the pandemic drags on. So what are the best ways to do that?

Do The 'Dance of Compassion'

What does this mean? It is Ok to be vulnerable right now. The only mask you should be wearing is a medical one. Discard the mask of not being vulnerable.

It's important for people who are used to performing at a high level — both at work and in their personal lives — to accept that might not be possible right now. 

What we know is that right now, is that life is full of uncertainty. COVID protocals are changes every two or three weeks, or even sometimes daily. So you really need to learn to have this dance of compassion and be flexible.

Grieve Your Losses

We need to give ourselves time to grieve our losses, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job or a way of life. 

Part of coping with the pandemic is being able to have that Kleenex, acknowledge our losses and cry those tears. This is especially important for children, who need to be able to express their sadness at how life is right now. 

Oftentimes as parents, we don't want our kids to suffer. So we try to put a brave face on the situation and say things like, “It could be worse,” or, “Let's try and think some happy thoughts.” Instead acknowledge your child's disappointment then redirect them to look on the bright side of life. 

Get Better Sleep

In trying times it is important to be aware of your mental health. Try journalling in order to put your emotions or what is bothering you down somewhere. Thoughts and emotions can interfere with your sleep if they are not settled.  

If you write it down ... that's a way of processing it and putting it aside so then you can get to bed and get the rest you need.

It's so important to get enough sleep, exercise, and also to make an effort to eat properly.

Take Up A Hobby

You need to take time for yourself: go for a walk, take a five-minute break to stretch or breath deeply, read an inspirational book or take up a hobby. Schedule it in, just like you'd schedule other important activities. 

It's not about the end product. It's about the process. Finding creativity within yourself allows for mindfulness.

Embrace Winter Activities

Looking at winter through the eyes of a child can make it easier to accept some of the harsher realities of the season. Try to see the potential for fun. Go out and make our Canadian winter the best winter ever possible. Let's be brave and courageous around outdoor play, whether it's a walk, going to the rink, or organizing some games outdoors.

If you need help, please do not hesitate to get the help you need.

Here are some tricks can help you expand your bathroom or powdr room space without moving any walls.

Most of us dream of having a vast, spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower and two sinks. Whether you live that dream or not, you can make your bathroom live up to its full potential by using these strategies to give it a larger look. 

Go Airy With White On White

One of the easiest ways to give your room a spacious look is to use lots of white — white tile, white paint, a white vanity and so on. This noncolor-color naturally, makes a space look bigger. It also reflects any available light, rather than absorbing it.

White finishes can make any space look bigger, but they’re especially effective in a bathroom. Since a bathroom typically has lots of white fixtures already (the tub, toilet and sink, for example), using white for other surfaces creates a seamless look that makes the space appear as airy as possible.

Note that using lots of white doesn’t mean the space has to lack character. Using different textural elements such as molding, pale stone or tile and fabric accents, as well as the occasional touch of metallics or wood, will retain the seamless look while still giving the eye lots of richness to take in.

Try Tone On Tone

Not a fan of white? You can still get a very big and breezy effect with a tone-on-tone palette in warm beige, soft grays or even faint hues such as powder blue. Choose a beautiful tile, and find a paint color for the remaining walls that picks up on one of the hues within it. The overall effect is still serene and spa-like, without the jarring visual breaks to shrink your perception of the space.

Use A Floating Vanity

In a tight bathroom space, it can be tricky to balance a demand for storage with a desire for space. A floating vanity is a great answer. It gives you lots of room to store daily essentials, but the peek of flooring underneath makes the area feel more open. In a very small space, having a little bit more room to plant your feet can make a big difference.

Less Is More

If you don’t really need maximum storage, consider using a smaller vanity to leave a bit more open space, rather than fitting in the biggest unit you can. Leaving a little negative space will make the area feel roomier. And if your toilet or tub is next to your vanity, you’ll appreciate the extra open space even more.

Go Big With Your Mirror

A large mirror can double the size of your space and, in a bathroom especially. A very large mirror can be a bit expensive. However, compared with the price of tiling that wall, a mirror can actually give you an equally dramatic look at a better value.

Splurge on a large mirror with a beautiful frame, or go wall-to-wall with a custom-sized piece. The effect can be so powerful that you need little else to make the room look perfectly finished. This can be especially effective in slim powder rooms with small walls that don’t take much glass to cover.

Use A Glass Panel

Another great way to expand the look of your space is by replacing a shower curtain with a glass panel or door. The entire square footage of the room will be visible at once for a bigger look, especially when you’re in the shower.

If you prefer more privacy, you can use a frosted or tinted glass panel, which will still allow a lot of light to filter through.

If you’re performing a complete renovation and don’t consider yourself a bath person, try skipping the tub altogether and installing just a shower instead. They are easier to get in and out of, and removing the tub eliminates a lot of bulk that eats up precious room.

Find Your Niche

Sometimes a little extra space can go a long way. Adding an open niche not only steals some empty wall cavity space to use as storage, but it can add a lot of visual depth that makes the walls look farther away than they really are.

Don’t love open shelving? Use that niche space for an inset cabinet and get all that functional storage without having a large object protruding into the room at eye level. This will make the vanity area feel much more open and give you lots of extra elbow room.

Keep in mind that plumbing, studs and other hidden conditions can affect where you can and can’t add a niche, so you should definitely talk to a professional before planning to open any walls.

Apply Bright Lighting

Good lighting is important to making any space look big and open, but in bathrooms, which often don’t have much natural light, it’s especially important. Plus, you need good lighting to do things such as shave or apply makeup effectively. Its importance can’t be overstated.

For these reasons, it’s key to have a good lighting scheme, preferably with multiple light sources at different locations. A grid of ceiling lights, as well as sconces or a contemporary edge-lighted mirror will help you avoid shadowing and make the space feel bright and open.

In a small powder room, or where you can’t add new electrical for lights, try changing your ceiling light to one with multiple bulbs so you have light coming from several directions from one fixture.

Create Long Lines

Whether your bathroom is a typical rectangle or more oddly shaped, you can usually find one wall or area that’s a bit longer than others to emphasize. Adding a shelf, a band of tile, a molding chair rail or another long element (even a simple stripe of paint) can help emphasize the longest line in your room and draw the eye to the widest point.

Visually Push The Walls Apart

If your bathroom is already very long and tunnel-shaped, rather than emphasize the length even more, consider working against the length and visually stretching the width instead.

Go Vertical

If your bathroom has small square footage, rather than try to make it look bigger horizontally, the smartest approach is to embrace the height as the largest dimension and emphasize that feature instead.

Using vertical elements as simple as a tall, thin mirror and a bold accent color on a skinny wall can enhance the height of a space and make the room feel big and breezy. Add some delicate lights and a little black and white tile, and you’ve got lots to keep the eye moving from flooring to ceiling.

Keep A Low Profile

Want to add some personality or drama to your bathroom without visually shrinking the space? Just look down. Try adding drama to elements with a lower profile, such as the vanity or the floor tile, while keeping the elements around your eyeline more simple and open. This approach gives the room lots of character while still maintaining a sense of openness. In fact, having a dark or vibrant color near floor level can sometimes make the upper half of the room feel even more open and airy by contrast.