Walking around twisted cables and flickering lights can feel like a Christmas accident just waiting to happen. Let’s plunge straight into what looks to be a glittering Pandora’s box—holiday lighting. You want your seasonal celebration to be more than a dismal, dark affair. So start by rolling up your sleeves and grabbing those outdoor lighting installation threads.

Let me first discuss power load. Consider the circuit of your house as a soda can—just so much can fit before it fizzes over. Not only is overloading it inconvenient; it may cause a not-so-festive blackout. Here’s a useful advice: While 20-amp circuits may run up to 1,920 watts, 15-amp circuits can manage roughly 1,440 watts. Distribute the work, and you won’t be left without lights—or on the phone to a technician.

Now to circuits. The traditional wish is now to link seemingly infinite rows of lights. Limit it to three strings per outlet for reality check. Your holiday happiness shouldn’t be trapped in a flaming fire or pile of fried circuits. Use several outputs and, if at all possible, distribute the weight throughout circuits. It’s like spreading the goods at a buffet; there is no gluttony only balance.

Layout design sometimes feel like shepherding kittens. Will it be a peaceful, glittering wonderland or a show that would make Clark Griswold happy? Plot it on a sketch pad. Pencil your blank slate—bushings, gutters, windows. Remember those extension cords; tripping over them is a holiday hazard nobody registered for.

Here’s a bit of advice: before putting anything up, check every light. Hoisting twisted lines just to find lifeless, dull parts winking at you mourningly is the most hair-pulling action available. A few minutes on the ground spares hours on the ladder.

About ladders, go slowly and steadily. Not necessary to pass for Spider-Man. First of all, people, safety! And based on experience, grab the ladder securely. You want your neighbors not converting holiday cheer into material for “America’s Funniest Home Video.”

You have here a playbook to brighten the season like a seasoned professional. Your house will sparkle, a lighthouse of revelry even Rudolph missed.