FirstEnergy’s “Merry & Bright” Winners Share Decorating Tips

Apr 18, 2023

Each year, participants of FirstEnergy's "Merry & Bright" Holiday Lights Sweepstakes submit a wide range of outdoor holiday lighting displays that evoke the magic of the holiday season. Some "Merry & Bright" winners have adorned their homes with elaborate lighting systems so big they could be spotted from the North Pole, while others have decked out their homes on a budget.

No matter the execution, past winners have shared a plethora of tips and tricks to encourage others interested in bringing cheer to their neighborhoods with their own holiday displays.

For Potomac Edison "Merry & Bright" 2021 winners Patricia and Richard Boyer, it's important to remember that winter can be home to strong winds and heavy snow, which can displace and possibly damage expensive decorations.

"We always use anchors to keep our inflatables and other decorations in place so we don't have to worry about mother nature spoiling the fun," Patricia explained.

While many feel that bigger is always better, Illuminating Company "Merry & Bright" winner Tony Lane explained that this is not always the case.

"My number one tip for others is just to keep it simple," he said. "Sometimes, less is more."

Mon Power "Merry & Bright" winner Jennifer Gillespie agrees that it isn't about being flashy. While she shoots for the stars each year with displays that are bold, colorful and classic, the goal is always to bring joy to others.

"I recommend that others decorating do it for the fun and holiday cheer it brings," she said.

Anthony Biviano, one of Ohio Edison's 2021 "Merry & Bright" winners, suggests taking steps to ensure your lighting display shines brightly without wasting energy.

"The energy usage for some of these lights can really add up," he said. "I recommend using LEDs and software that makes props automatically turn on and off to save on energy bills."

Whether or not you plan on becoming your electric company's next "Merry & Bright" winner, here are more tips for creating a dazzling holiday display:

Look for 'warm' white on the label of LED lights to achieve the look of incandescent lights.

Consider do-it-yourself decorations using inexpensive materials like plywood, PVC piping, tomato cages and string lights.

Consider LED pixel lights to control the color and movement of your lights.

Stock up on holiday lights and decorations right after Christmas when they are on clearance.

At the end of the season, inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged so you’re ready to roll next year.

Customers are also encouraged to keep safety top of mind when decorating for the holidays. View tips to keep your home and yourself safe this season.

FirstEnergy's annual "Merry & Bright" Holiday Lights Sweepstakes is in full swing. Customers are invited to submit photos and videos of their outdoor holiday lighting displays to their respective electric company's Facebook® page until Dec. 16 for the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Connect with a FirstEnergy utility on Facebook to enter the contest and to view more holiday lighting tips and this year's "Merry & Bright" winners:

Ohio Edison

The Illuminating Company

Toledo Edison

Penn Power

Met-Ed

Penelec

West Penn Power

Potomac Edison

Mon Power

JCP&L

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