"Hark, the herald Angels sing...time to put up all your things..."

Before you begin to create your crazy Christmas display, make sure you have:
- extension cords
- Staple Gun / Hooks / Duct Tape.
- Multi-plug surge-protectors. (Colored green)
- A complete disregard for your neighbors peace and quiet.

Now, on to the important stuff.

Lights: You need thousands of blinking, multicolored bulbs. I'm talking Christmas Lights of every shape, color, size and variety. Hanging icicle lights, mini stings, big bulb, LED. Et al.

The more, the varied, the better.

Hang your lights everywhere.
Off every inch of ground, structure, rock, tree and bush. Some people say lights are all you need. And they might be right.

For example:

Music: You could go with your own CD library. But why break new ground. Turn your surround sound speakers outside and crank out the Manheim Steamroller or Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Your neighbors will love you for it.

Synchronization: Your lights need to move in time with your waving Santa, "bah"-ing sheep, and blinking baby Jesus.
Get in sync with the program people.

Lighted Merry Christmas Sign - This goes across the top of your roof. Next to, or near, your big ass Santa.

Big Ass, Giant Santa: Must be at least 6 feet tall, illuminated and sturdy enough to withstand strong winds.

With or without reindeer and sleigh. It's your choice.

Inflatable Decorations: No wonder Christmas decorations weren't as ridiculous when I was a kid. There was nothing to inflate.
Well these suckers are massive and come complete with their own bells and whistles. At least 2 need to be on your lawn. Or 20.

Nativity scene: It's important that you have some memento of the true reason for celebrating Christmas. (The birth of Jesus, I think.)

You could go with a huge nativity display on the lawn, but that takes up valuable space which could be used for inflatable snowmen and wicker light up reindeer.
Just put it somewhere.

Motorization: Here's what separates the superstars from the guy across the street.
These days, a Christmas display shouldn't just blink and sing, it should move and animate, puff smoke, and dance.

Allow Jeff and Julie from Texas to demonstrate.

Placement: Once you have all these necessary items listed above, you have to pack all of it as close together as possible. Leave no landscape or siding bare.
It may look like one huge jumbled mess. But that's the point.

Now, you put these all tips together and maybe your house can compete with these folks. They do it better than most.

(Go to about 1:30 to the true meaning of Christmas Displays...)

Oh, and may all your Christmas decorations be bright!