For most people, the holiday season is a time of non-stop activity, darting between activities, celebrations, and to-dos. This doesn’t necessarily have to be the case for your home, though. With a few adjustments and a bit of attention, you can use less energy at home during the holidays. You may very well find that these same tips last you all year long, helping you prioritize your energy use at home and on the go no matter the season. If you’re wondering how to save energy at home through the holiday season, look no further. These simple steps will help you deck the halls with less electricity and greater energy efficiency.

Prioritize holiday maintenance.

Amidst the chaos of the holiday season, you might not think about your home’s energy efficiency. If you do, it’s most likely your fear of rising electricity costs thanks to holiday lights and other decors! Nevertheless, it’s just as important to take another approach to your energy costs this holiday season. For instance, are you keeping up with your HVAC maintenance? Your heat is most likely working overtime through the holidays, so be sure you’re cleaning it, changing any filters, and arranging for repairs as needed. Not only will this save money, but it will also keep you and your family safe.

Choose the right decorations.

We all have certain decorations that simply scream, “happy holidays!” whenever we see them. We look forward to unpacking these each year and sharing them with our loved ones. We won’t insist you get rid of those favorites, but you might consider upgrading some of your other decorations to opt for energy-efficient holiday decor instead. From LED lights to eco-friendly alternatives to classic holiday traditions, these minor swaps can transform your home’s holiday energy efficiency for the better.

Invest in timers.

By now, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the idea of smart devices and even smart plugs, which enable your outlets to communicate with your Alexa-enabled device or similar system. But have you considered using these for your holiday decorations? Add a timer or smart plug to your string lights and control the times they’ll turn on or off, either making them automatic or controlling them remotely. Just like a programmable thermostat can automate your heating for greater energy savings, you can use these tools for a more eco-friendly take on holiday decor. Or, simply choose decorations that use little to no energy in the first place!

Think of the perfect gifts.

Decor isn’t the only element of your holiday season that can be adjusted to save energy. Have you thought about what you’ll be bringing into your home? As you buy gifts for your loved ones (or even for yourself—we won’t tell!), ask yourself how they could affect your electric bill. Eco-friendly or energy-efficient gifts have all the fun of holiday gifting without the drain on your home’s energy—or on your wallet. As a bonus, your environmentally conscious friends and family will be especially grateful for these thoughtful gifts!

From the strands of light that adorn your space to the home maintenance tasks you add to your holiday to-do list, a few energy-efficient adjustments can ensure that the holiday season really does get to be the most wonderful time of the year. Pay close attention to how you consume energy at home and find ways to work around instances where you might otherwise be wasting it. Find a chunk of time to keep your heater and HVAC system more generally well-maintained. Opt for rechargeable batteries or lights on automatic timers, and rejoice! Each element will make you a better energy saver without sacrificing your holiday spirit.