Several years ago we decided to use LED lights for holiday decorating. At first they weren't easy to find, but now just about everything can be done with LEDs.

Each year I look at the beginning of the season to see what's available, then I like to wait until the after-season sales to get great deals (like the spiral tree in the forefront of the picture). Lately, the LEDs have been more popular (YEAH) and there has been less deals to pick from (BOO). But that's OK, better that people are making the switch. To make up for that, I've added a line to the budget so that I can get something I like at the beginning of the season.

This year, I even found LED lights at Big Lots!

Home Depot had a special in November -- for each string of old holiday lights you brought in, you received a $3 discount on new lights. So, we took in all of our old lights (10 strings... that was $30 in savings for us) and decided to purchase the "giant light-bulb" LED strings arcing along the lower right of the picture. We used them to see the edge of the circling gravel driveway even when it snowed. They are great - they have a whole series of color changes and they work in sync with the entire length of multiple strings.

Granted this doesn't improve the structure of the house, so not really a renovation, but it sure is fun! Plus I get to decorate more and still save energy!