Think about this: It’s December, and you’re looking at a mess of lights www.myeverlights.net in the garage. Your neighbor is untangling his with a glass of eggnog while the cat bats at one end, and you’re already sick of it. There has to be a better way to deal with this annual show.

First, the things no one tells you. Before you even think about going outside, make sure your lights work. Sounds clear, right? You might be shocked. Plug them in, look for flickers, and throw away any that don’t work. No one likes going back down from a ladder to change one stubborn light bulb.

Next, look at the weather report. This fun job becomes dangerous when there is wind, rain, or icy steps. Choose a dry, warm day. You’ll be glad you did. Get gloves that you can grip. Wet hands and glass bulbs don’t go together. Something my uncle learned after a memorable light show and a lot of “holiday cheer” said under his breath.

Your new best friend is a tape measure. Before you climb up the front of your house, figure out how many feet of lights you really need. There’s nothing more “festive” than a half-strand that hangs down to the street because you ran out.

Instead of nails or screws, use plastic clips to hang lights. The paint and walls on your house will look better. You won’t have to spend January with pliers and guilt because these clips are easy to put on and take off.

Avoid doing tricks on roofs unless you’re a professional or one of Santa’s elves. There are companies in your area that specialize in outdoor displays that can help you if your house is tall or has a roof with odd shapes. They fill up their slots faster than presents on Christmas Eve, so make your reservations early. If you want to be like Clark Gable but don’t like ladders, you could put up a great tree in your front yard that you can reach without risking your life.

Put net lights around trees and bushes. It’s about as close to stealing as holiday decor gets. You’re done when you drape, tuck, and plug in. Using holiday gels in spotlights makes them look great with no work on your part. Point them at the garage, the windows, or that old, popped-up reindeer.

Timers work like magic. Leave the lights alone and let them do their thing. No more running out in your pajamas at midnight in the cold. Put solar lights in the ground and let the sun charge them. They don’t need any cords at all. That means you won’t have to fight extension cord spaghetti as much.

After you’re done, take pictures. It’s good for next year and makes you more of a star in the neighborhood. Do not forget that no one talks about the time their friend skipped lights and had hot cocoa early in the morning. Even if it’s just a string or two, they talk about the house with the big heart and happy glow.

Prepare, measure, clip, and use smart tech to keep worry low. Don’t forget to plug those lights in before you start, unless you want to keep telling people about “that time Dad did the whole roof in the dark.”