The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy (and sometimes chaos) of decorating your home. Turning your space into a winter wonderland is exciting, but it’s easy to make some common missteps along the way. Don’t worry—this guide from our JM Roofing team will help you avoid those holiday decorating disasters. 

With a bit of planning, a touch of caution, and a keen eye for detail, you can create a festive masterpiece that won’t leave your neighbors wincing or your circuit breaker crying for help. 

1. Overloading Electrical Outlets (aka Trying to Power a Theme Park)

One of the biggest holiday decoration mistakes is plugging too much into a single outlet. Sure, Clark Griswold’s house in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was impressive, but trust us—you don’t want sparks flying, lights flickering, or your power going out mid-cookie baking session.

How to avoid it: Use power strips with surge protectors to spread the load across different outlets. Check the wattage capacity of your lights and keep an eye out for frayed wires or questionable cords. And remember, the glowing reindeer don’t need to shine as bright as a small village—they’ll still look great.

2. Forgetting the Golden Rule of Ladder Safety

Picture this—you’re teetering on the top step of your rickety old ladder, trying to hang that last string of lights, and suddenly, you feel it wobble. Nothing breaks the holiday spirit like a trip to the ER for something that could have been avoided.

How to avoid it: Choose a sturdy ladder and never stand on the top step. Have a helper hold it steady, especially if climbing high. And if you need to stretch like you’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil, it’s time to reposition the ladder instead. Bonus points if you avoid precariously balancing in flip-flops—yes, we’re looking at you, Dave.

3. Neglecting to Plan Your Decorating Strategy

Start stringing up lights and sticking snowmen on the lawn without a plan, and you might end up with more chaos than festive cheer. You could end up with clashing colors, a tangled mess of lights, or worse—a snowman family next to Santa’s sleigh that looks like they’re in a turf war.

How to avoid it: Sketch out your decorating plan before you start. Think about the overall vibe you want—whimsical, elegant, or classic? Stick to a cohesive color scheme (red and green? blue and silver?) and arrange your decorations to keep things balanced. Cohesion doesn’t stifle creativity—it makes it shine brighter.

4. Keeping Your Roofing and Siding Safe

Your roof and siding work hard to keep your home cozy and protected, so it’s only fair you return the favor while decking the halls. Many festive decorators have accidentally caused costly damage using nails, staples, or tape that leave lasting marks—or worse, punctures.

How to avoid it: Opt for roof clips or outdoor-friendly adhesive hooks to attach lights and decorations. These are designed to securely hold your décor without leaving a trail of destruction behind. Also, inspect your roof and siding first for any pre-existing damage. That way, you won’t make things worse or unknowingly decorate over a loose shingle that’ll leave you with both a repair bill and a stray snowman in your yard.

Keep an eye on how well everything is fastened, especially if you live in a blustery area. The last thing you want is your illuminated candy cane display sliding off the roof and into traffic. Tie-downs, bungee cords, or zip ties can be lifesavers here—and your siding and roof will thank you for the TLC.

Roofing and Siding Experts of Norwalk

Our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors looks forward to serving Connecticut residents’ roofing and siding needs. We can thoroughly examine your roofing and siding, identify the underlying problem, and make the needed corrections. Homeowners who notice any preceding concerns are urged to contact us immediately.