Outdoor Christmas lights etiquette

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 1:28am #1

I got the ol outdoor christmas lights put up today. Got some warm white led's hanging down from the guttering, and put some coloured led lights on a little connifer tree out on front lawn.

Questions questions though:

1. Is it to early to switch them on? - the rest of the village has them up and on, but there is a few good weeks to go until there is no room in the stable and i have waited in the past til around the 8th dec or thereabouts...

2. Will i / should i leave them on all night or turn them off before i go to bed?.,

3. I know this is personal preference i suppose ( or there could be a 'class' thing about it) but they have a flashing mode or a static on mode... What shall i use?

These are serious questions folks i dont want to be breaking the un-written code of outdoor christmas lights etiquette! ( and have the neighbours talking about me)

JackTaylorFan · 05-12-2017 1:32am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

( and have the neighbours talking about me)

This is all I am taking from this post

endacl · 05-12-2017 1:34am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

I got the ol outdoor christmas lights put up today. Got some warm white led's hanging down from the guttering, and put some coloured led lights on a little connifer tree out on front lawn.

Questions questions though:

1. Is it to early to switch them on? - the rest of the village has them up and on, but there is a few good weeks to go until there is no room in the stable and i have waited in the past til around the 8th dec or thereabouts...

2. Will i / should i leave them on all night or turn them off before i go to bed?.,

3. I know this is personal preference i suppose ( or there could be a 'class' thing about it) but they have a flashing mode or a static on mode... What shall i use?

These are serious questions folks i dont want to be breaking the un-written code of outdoor christmas lights etiquette! ( and have the neighbours talking about me)

1. Yes. It'll always be too early.
2. See answer above.
3. See answer above the answer above.

Are Am Eye · 05-12-2017 1:47am

A number of years ago a gentleman in dublin was denied planning permission for an extension due to objections by the neighbours. It being christmas he put enough lights on his house to be visible from mars and illuminate the neighbourhood for miles. Up in lights on the roof - "santa won't be coming here this xmas" but i digress.
Now in regard to your specific query Andy I would have to say an absolute and emphatic Yes. And you can take that to the bank.

freshpopcorn · 05-12-2017 1:59am

In the past it would have being considered to early but some people put them up and light them now. However most seem to wait until the 8th in my area.
I would switch them off when you'd go to bed. You could get an automatic timer or some sets have a mode that will switch off after 6 hours.
The setting you put them on is your personal choice. I generally prefer static. Flashing can be very hard to get right.(It might annoy some neigbhours)

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 2:05am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

In the past it would have being considered to early but some people put them up and light them now. However most seem to wait until the 8th in my area.
I would switch them off when you'd go to bed. You could get an automatic timer or some sets have a mode that will switch off after 6 hours.
The setting you put them on is your personal choice. I generally prefer static. Flashing can be very hard to get right.(It might annoy some neigbhours)

At last, someone with sense replied haha

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 2:07am

Think a lot of people put them up for the late late toy show the other day that was in it...

Peatys · 05-12-2017 2:10am

First Saturday in December. As it's written, so it shall be.

Hector Bellend · 05-12-2017 2:33am

Bah humbug

freshpopcorn · 05-12-2017 2:39am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

Think a lot of people put them up for the late late toy show the other day that was in it...

This really started in the last few years.
Some might say it was because it was during the recession people were trying to brighten the place up a little.
Another thing is a lot of people now with young kids will remember having the tree up for The Toy Show when they were kids but it used air around the 8th of December but they make the association of having the tree up for The Toy Show so they put it up.

entropi · 05-12-2017 2:44am

A lot of my neighbours have had them up the past 2 weeks. I am of the opinion that not before at least 8th of December is okay.

The_Valeyard · 05-12-2017 7:34am

Id say Friday be grand.

Estrellita · 05-12-2017 7:35am

Andy From Sligo wrote:

Questions questions though:

1. Is it to early to switch them on? - the rest of the village has them up and on, but there is a few good weeks to go until there is no room in the stable and i have waited in the past til around the 8th dec or thereabouts...

Down to personal preference. Other people have them up in your town, so why not.

2. Will i / should i leave them on all night or turn them off before i go to bed?.,

In my view, only icicle lights could be left on, everything else off.

3. I know this is personal preference i suppose ( or there could be a 'class' thing about it) but they have a flashing mode or a static on mode... What shall i use?

Please, please.... Static only. Lit decorations ought to be tasteful and just the right amount. Too many a garden have I seen that looks like Woodies puked all over it. Absolutely nothing inflatable. Less is more and all that.

DrPhilG · 05-12-2017 7:40am

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1 - Make it happen.

2 - Leave them on 24/7.

3 - Don't take them down til February.

Bob Harris · 05-12-2017 8:16am

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Outkast_IRE · 05-12-2017 8:21am

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Unless they are doing it for charity, which a few of the bigger displays are set up for.

Lorelli! · 05-12-2017 8:33am

Do whatever you want op although if I was you I would turn them off when going to bed.

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Some houses are tacky and over the top. There use to be to be a house that had mostly red and some blue lights in the garden where i grew up. My friend and i imagined it was like how a brothel must look in the Red Light District.

05-12-2017 8:42am

The worst thing I’ve seen is an outdoor garden display with a few reindeer and a present and other bits. You know, the rope lights ones. Well they must have been bought at different times in different shops as they are all shades of white.

It looks so stupid.

JimmyMcGill · 05-12-2017 8:48am

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

The worst thing I’ve seen is an outdoor garden display with a few reindeer and a present and other bits. You know, the rope lights ones. Well they must have been bought at different times in different shops as they are all shades of white.

It looks so stupid.

Probably couldn't afford them all on one go. Prefer to see that as I'd think it's an accumulation down the years.

bigpink · 05-12-2017 8:50am

All the "disadvantaged" areas seem to have them on

Gravelly · 05-12-2017 8:52am

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Or cream cracker.

Steve F · 05-12-2017 9:15am

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Nail on head

topper75 · 05-12-2017 9:52am

Etiquette says: In 72 hours, you can go absolutely nuts and nobody can complain.

beertons · 05-12-2017 9:55am

Don't bother your bo!!ocks with outdoor lights.

It'll keep the neighbours from talking about you. And your gaff won't stand out as much, to the lads scoping out future targets to rob.

BrokenArrows · 05-12-2017 10:12am

after 1st of december its fair game. Put up as many lights as you want. Some of my neighbours had them up on the 1st november.

As for the light pattern, once its not going to induce an epileptic fit into anyone that passes then its ok.

I have mine on a gentle fade in and out.

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 12:18pm

DrPhilG wrote: »

Thats mine

.... No, not really

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 12:25pm

JimmyMcGill wrote: »

Probably couldn't afford them all on one go. Prefer to see that as I'd think it's an accumulation down the years.

I have 2 sets under the guttering one side is slightly lighter than the other. Not much but i can notice it (probably gonna bug me all christmas now i know)

Both bought from the same establishment, both warm white, one bought last year, one bought the other day. Both identical looking (apart from a very slightly different looking mains adaptor)

Ah well such is life. Should have bought them all at same time instead of penny pinching

DEFTLEFTHAND · 05-12-2017 12:31pm

DrPhilG wrote: »

1 - Make it happen.

2 - Leave them on 24/7.

3 - Don't take them down til February.

Ghastly.

DrPhilG · 05-12-2017 12:39pm

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

Ghastly.

You spelt awesome wrong.

Billgirlylegs · 05-12-2017 12:53pm

I know someone who lives near one of these displays.
All very festive and joyful-most of the time.

Turn them off at 9.30 pm ish.
Some people (kids) might be kept awake by the glare.

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 05-12-2017 5:29pm

If they're flashing lights I would turn them off around 9 -9.30 or they could irritate neighbours.

05-12-2017 5:53pm

Legend Panicky Translator wrote: »

If they're flashing lights I would turn them off around 9 -9.30 or they could irritate neighbours.

Does this actually happen? Do neighbours actually get irritated over a few dangley LEDs? I grew up in area where the houses were covered in festive blow moulds and miles of those old, fat christmas lights. None of this energy saving, blue LED bullshít where the house looks like you're approaching a horrible car crash. We had taste :pac:

Ipso · 05-12-2017 6:46pm

If they can't be seen from space, you've failed.

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 10:31pm

Billgirlylegs wrote: »

Turn them off at 9.30 pm ish.
Some people (kids) might be kept awake by the glare.

Seems early that. I presume they could have the full shebang until 9.30pm and then have a subtle little outdoor Christmas tree or 2 lit up after that no? Wouldn't hurt anyone

What about all the late night revellers coming back at 1 or 2 in the morning, don't they deserve a light show too?

freshpopcorn · 05-12-2017 10:34pm

A pair of black out curtains or a blind should keep flashing lights out of any room!

Archeron · 05-12-2017 10:40pm

I remember passing a house in ballyfermot years ago, the plastic Santa had fallen off the roof but the reindeer were still standing. On his way down, the icicle lights on the gutter wrapped around his neck and left him hanging about ten feet up in the air.

Andy From Sligo · 05-12-2017 11:25pm

Archeron wrote: »

I remember passing a house in ballyfermot years ago, the plastic Santa had fallen off the roof but the reindeer were still standing. On his way down, the icicle lights on the gutter wrapped around his neck and left him hanging about ten feet up in the air.

ooh you have reminded me i have a big plastic santa i have still to put out on the lawn ... and he lights up too (well by solar) -better wait til storm caroline is over though cause he's a bit wobbly/unstable on his feet as it is - the wind last christmas knocked him over! ... either that or he was drunk

Brendan Bendar · 06-12-2017 12:53am

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

Wounlnt pay their water charges yet spend hundreds on cheap lights.

Amazing behavior.

Toots · 06-12-2017 1:14am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

Seems early that. I presume they could have the full shebang until 9.30pm and then have a subtle little outdoor Christmas tree or 2 lit up after that no? Wouldn't hurt anyone

What about all the late night revellers coming back at 1 or 2 in the morning, don't they deserve a light show too?

I think for safety reasons the fire services say you should knock off all the lights before going to bed. That's when I turn mine off, anyway, although I've only got the one set of coloured fairy lights wrapped around the railing on my balcony.

Andy From Sligo · 06-12-2017 1:27am

Toots wrote: »

I think for safety reasons the fire services say you should knock off all the lights before going to bed. That's when I turn mine off, anyway, although I've only got the one set of coloured fairy lights wrapped around the railing on my balcony.

i wonder what implications of a fire. Most modern lights these days are LED now , they run very cool. and also they run on an transformer that gives out about 12v DC - so (preseuming you have put the 240v-12vDC transformer inside the house and not in the rain, the wire that goes to the lights outside will be 12vdc - if the insulation of the wire breaks down and you end up touching the bare wire your not going to get a fatal shock off 12volt DC - if 2 wires touch together (if they are not cheapy cheap china made lights) then before it starts a fire there should be an inbuilt low amperage fuse inside the 12v transformer. - I cannot see to much of a fire risk .

If your talking about the old 240v fairy lights of years ago - the bulbs were hot on them so if you had them near combustibale material thats bad and also you would have 240v ac running through them - so tes, very high probability of shock and fire risk ... but the modern LED ones these days low risk

... but saying that if they have a really cheap transformer with no built in fuse and not CE mark could be shock and fire hazard (on the transformer itself - just like these cheap n' nasty USB chargers that have caught alight or shocked people recently)

andekwarhola · 06-12-2017 8:16am

We're always OK with flashing lights outside because our house came equipped with window blinds and curtains.

Bob Harris · 06-12-2017 9:05am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

i wonder what implications of a fire.

The house burning down and taking everyone inside with it?

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-12-2017 9:10am

Snotaul Goodman wrote: »

Does this actually happen? Do neighbours actually get irritated over a few dangley LEDs? I grew up in area where the houses were covered in festive blow moulds and miles of those old, fat christmas lights. None of this energy saving, blue LED bullshít where the house looks like you're approaching a horrible car crash. We had taste :pac:

I've heard of people complaining that they're being kept awake by lights flashing across the road all night long. It's probably a bit like having a few ambulances outside your house in the middle of the night.

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-12-2017 9:11am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

A pair of black out curtains or a blind should keep flashing lights out of any room!

Or people could just turn them off at night so that their neighbours don't have to go out and buy black out curtains etc.

Gravelly · 06-12-2017 9:15am

Legend Panicky Translator wrote: »

I've heard of people complaining that they're being kept awake by lights flashing across the road all night long. It's probably a bit like having a few ambulances outside your house in the middle of the night.

Easily sorted by the judicious use of pliers during the night.
Had a similar problem back in my student days with a next door neighbour who had one of those sensor halogen lights that shone straight at our house. A black widow catapult solved it nicely.

Purple Mountain · 06-12-2017 9:25am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Flashing can be very hard to get right.(It might annoy some neigbhours)

Whatever you do Andy, do NOT flash the neighbours.

storker · 06-12-2017 9:27am

Bob Harris wrote: »

When I go past houses lit up like Las Vegas I don't think 'what a great display of christmas spirit'. I think pretentious knob or keeping up with the Joneses. Or both.

When I go past them I think:

High electricity bill
Storage nightmare
Pain in the ar5e to put up and take down
It's nice to see people do it, but there's no way I ever would.

mikeymouse · 06-12-2017 9:41am

THIS are the way to go!!
Wait for neighbour to spend whole weekend up and down ladders with his lights
and then you just pop out and stick one of these in your lawn.(making sure your display projects onto his bedroom window)

DrPhilG · 06-12-2017 11:41am

LirW · 06-12-2017 11:46am

DrPhilG wrote: »

I kid you not, we have a very small estate here in the village where 2 houses next to each other have exactly this up, you can see them from miles away. One even has dancing snowflake projections on his house wall.

But then again our village is known for their Christmas lights and the deadly switch-on ceremony, who am I to blame them.

I still have my halloween skull on the door because we had to move out for a few weeks.

Andy From Sligo · 06-12-2017 1:23pm

Bob Harris wrote: »

The house burning down and taking everyone inside with it?

not if everyone is out

Outdoor Christmas lights etiquette

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