Christmas 2020 looks like it will be a very different experience to the one we know and love.  While there are certainly some silver linings to a socially restricted Yule (it's a great excuse not to visit those relatives you can't stand, and you could save some money on presents if there's no visiting the extended family); it's also a beacon of hope and enjoyment in what has otherwise been a dreadful year globally.  We might have to abide by restrictions but we can still have fun and take some time to enjoy the aspects of life we can still indulge in.

For this reason, 2020 is a great year to go all out with your Christmas decorations.  One of the small joys of Christmas this year will be walking around the neighbourhood with your family looking at all the sights of Christmas lights, animatronic decorations and even inflatables.  Some notable Christmas displays also include sound.  We all know someone who goes overboard on the decorations every year and it does brighten the dark cold nights, as well as raise money for charity in many cases; this year we think it would be great if we all put some effort into decorating the outside of our houses, as well as the inside.

If you often have Christmas parties you'll be used to decorating the inside of your home, but with limited visitors this year you could put some of your indoor decorations outside for everyone to enjoy.  Decorating shrubs and trees with baubles and tinsel is easy and instantly adds some festive spirit, while solar powered fairy lights are an easy, low cost way to illuminate your house.  If you're friendly with your neighbours why not join forces and share decorations, to make both your homes look fabulous?  On a crisp winter afternoon, as the dusk is drawing, a socially distanced glass of mulled wine or two in your front gardens is a lovely way to have a bit of social contact, while enjoying the gorgeous festive decorations.

With the pressure on the NHS expected to be far greater than earlier this year, thanks to the winter 'flu season and the higher number of broken bones from people slipping on ice, it's imperative that we all recognise our responsibility to take extra care of our physical health and don't take unnecessary risks that might land us in A&E.  If you're decorating the front of your house and you need ladders to hang lights or other decorations; be sensible and make sure you do this on a dry day, ideally one with a good light (avoid overcast days) and at a time when you're at your most alert.

If you do need to use a ladder, ensure you're using the right one for the job.  A stepladder is not suitable for most outdoor decorating tasks because you need to get close to the wall to hang the decorations.  An extension ladder is best for most of the light-hanging tasks but don't be tempted to cut corners and over-reach to hang the next section of the lights – remember to always descend the ladder slowly and carefully and move the ladder to the right place. 

If you want to put decorations on your roof, ensure you have a roof ladder which will afford easy and safe access to the roof surface without causing any damage.  Roof ladders have a ridge hook at the top which secures the equipment, and spreader bars on the back to disperse the weight of the ladder, and the user, over the tiles to reduce the risk of damage.  You can purchase an accessory which fixes to a standard straight ladder to turn it into a roof ladder, and if you only need to use it once (or twice) a year then the accessory will serve you well.

When using any ladder you should inspect it first for signs of wear and tear.  Never use a damaged ladder – this is asking for trouble and nobody wants to be in hospital over Christmas.  Check the ladder is set up at a safe angle and that the ground surface is dry and clear of wet leaves or moss, which could cause the ladder to slip.  If you're not a confident ladder user, then consider hiring a local contractor with ladder experience (and the right kit) to decorate for you.  Many independent tradespeople have suffered economically due to lockdown and social distancing requirements and will be very glad of the work as well as the chance to make their local area look extra Christmassy to life everyone's spirits.