Nothing says it's Christmas like cosying up inside your decorated, twinkly-lit home.
But it's no secret that all that extra lighting can boost your electricity bill (even if it does look super pretty). Fear not, as there's no need to let money worries rob you of your festive cheer.
This is because you can adopt some simple changes to make your house glow while being more cost-effective. Some experts spoke exclusively to Daily Star about the best ways to cut your bills this Christmas.
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Evan Tunis, president of Florida Healthcare Insurance, said there are some simple things you can do to feel festive without breaking the bank. The first change to make is using LED lights, as they they use significantly less energy than traditional Christmas lights and also work to reduce your carbon footprint.
Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan, allowing you to enjoy their festive glow for multiple holiday seasons, making them a sustainable and cost-effective investment. He said solar-powered decorations are another great alternative to traditional Christmas lights.
They work by absorbing sunlight during the day and then lighting up at night, eliminating the need for electricity. Not only will this help reduce your energy bills, but it also adds a unique touch to your holiday decorations.
Evan said: "It may be tempting to leave your Christmas lights on all night, especially if you have guests over or want to showcase your festive spirit. However, leaving them on overnight can lead to a significant increase in your energy bills.
"Instead, set a timer or manually turn off the lights before going to bed.
"Many people forget to unplug their holiday decorations when they are not in use. However, even when turned off, these decorations can still consume energy if left plugged in.
"Make it a habit to unplug them when you're not using them to save energy and money."
The expert also said it's worth incorporating natural elements into your holiday decorations, as this can add a beautiful and eco-friendly touch to your home. For example, opt for real evergreen branches instead of plastic ones, or use dried fruit as ornaments instead of store-bought decorations.
Not only will this save energy and money, but it also adds a rustic charm to your holiday décor. Another top tip is reusing old decorations.
He said you can easily give them a new look by adding some paint or glitter, or repurpose them into something else entirely. This not only saves money, but also reduces the environmental impact of constantly buying new decorations.
And not forgetting the humble candle – something cosy and warm that could make a difference to your festive feeling at home.
"Candles can add a cosy and warm ambience to your home during the holiday season," he added. "Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also require no electricity to operate.
"Be sure to use unscented candles as scented ones may contain chemicals that can be harmful when burned."
Loshane A. Vasilyeva, smart shopping expert and founder of Cabana Catalogs, also said there are other simple things you can do to aid your bills. According to the expert, one of the main things you need is a timer.
"Utilize timers or smart plug – instead of keeping your lights on all night, make use of timers or smart plugs that automatically turn them on and off at the right times," said Loshane. "This way you can enjoy your decorations while conserving energy when no one is around.
"Consider solar powered lights. For outside decorations consider solar lights that absorb sunlight during the day and automatically illuminate at night without the need for electricity.
"Maximise the benefits of natural light by placing your decorations to windows. This allows you to savour the ambience without relying on artificial lighting.
"Remember to unplug your Christmas lights and decorations when you're not actively using them. It's important to turn them off and unplug them.
"When turned off some devices can still draw power in standby mode, which contributes to unnecessary energy usage."
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