One of the best things about the holiday season is the twinkling Holiday lights that brighten up the night. Driving around and seeing all of the vibrant colors and creativity that go into decorating homes, businesses and neighborhoods for Holiday is a lot of fun. It’s an activity that all ages can enjoy. Bundling up in warm, fluffy winter clothes to view the lights as family, friends or on a date makes for a great activity this winter particularly in the Northwest.
How to make Holiday lights hunting fun
Just peering at lights from a foggy car window might sound a little boring, especially for children who need a little help envisioning how a car ride in the dark could be fun. But, there are a few ways you can get both children and adults alike more excited for Holiday lights hunting. Here are some tips:

• Be adequately prepared: Gas up your car and make sure it’s clean and comfortable inside.
• Stay warm: Winter is cold and nothing can make a drive more frustrating if kids are cold. Make sure everyone is in warm and comfortable clothing and the vehicle is a good temperature. Wrapping up in some soft blankets is also a fun idea.
• Bring some snacks and drinks: Being thirsty or hungry on a long car ride can be miserable. Make it fun! Bring some Holiday cookies, eggnog or cocoa in thermos. We all know there’s plenty of treats to be had during the holidays!
• Spice it up with music: Turn on some Holiday classics to set the mood. Have a sing-a-long to help elevate everyone’s’ spirits and make them forget about x, y, or z that they had to leave behind to go on a ride with the family.
• Bring a game: There are many games and scavenger hunts you can find online. Encouraging everyone in the vehicle to keep their eyes peeled for a particular item on the list helps keep the night animated.
• Plan a route: Aimlessly driving around in search of lighted homes might result in a disappointing night. Researching the best homes, lighted neighborhoods and businesses to drive by for the most magical displays will help your adventure go much, much smoother. Map out an area cohesively so you can easily drive from one light display to another. If you’re struggling to come up with some fun places to see, putting your zip code into www.christmaslightfinder.com could be a good place to start. It will pull up all the dazzling lit homes and neighborhoods in that area.
• Make it a tradition: Setting aside an evening every holiday season to see the Holiday lights around town and making this evening full of good memories will ensure that it is something your family will look forward to every year.

Make your new home festive
It doesn’t take a lot to make your home look cheerful and bright this holiday season. Simply running lights along your porch railing, hanging a holiday wreath on your door, pointing the ever popular projector lights at your home or draping netted lights over the shrubs are just a few ways you can make your house “pop”.
Don’t let a little cold weather stop you from making plans to build or buy your dream home. Call 1-800-923-6607 or email us today at social@hayden-homes.com to discuss your options. Getting you into a new home you’ll be happy with for years to come has never been more possible! If you are looking for a new home in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho in 2017, we look forward to being a trusted advisor to assist in your home buying decision. On behalf of all of us at Hayden Homes, we wish you a warm and joyous holiday season.