The holidays are a time of increased power consumption, but they don't have to be. There are plenty of ways to get the utmost enjoyment during the season and still keep your energy costs manageable. Here are just a few:

Switch to LED Christmas lights - LED Christmas light strands use around ninety percent less electricity than regular Christmas lights and only cost around $10 a strand. Incandescent or traditional light bulbs waste a quite a bit of energy; 90 percent of their energy is released heat, which is why regular light bulbs can burn your skin if you touch them. These bulbs can also be a fire hazard if placed too close to flammable materials. They also burn out quickly. Typically, they need to be replaced every few months, whereas LED lighting tends to last for years!
- Decorate using fiber optics - For the ultimate in energy efficiency, you can't beat fiber optic trees and decorations. Typically, their power comes from a single light bulb located at the base of the unit that lights the entire decoration – now that's both energy smart and budget smart!

- Turn off the other lights in the room and enjoy your tree - The warm glow of a beautifully lit Christmas tree is one of the many things that make the holidays special. Not only does this tip help create memories that last a lifetime, but it's one of the simplest ways to curb energy costs during the holidays.

- When guests are over, turn down the thermostat - when friends and family come to visit on the holidays, not only does their love bring smiles to the faces of one another, but the natural body heat from several people in a home reduces the need for warmer thermostat temperatures.

- Limit the time that holiday lights are left running - If you run your lights only in the evening after the sun goes down, then turn them off before bed; you'll have plenty of time to enjoy them while they're at their most beautiful. Another solution that raises the enjoyment factor while curbing energy usage!
