Do you remember that scene from the old sitcom? Dad was five extension cords buried in Christmas lights and mumbling to himself. That’s enough to make anyone think about giving up on doing things themselves. These days, more families are hiring specialists to do the work for them, and they are really happy about it. Click here for more help about this topic!

When holiday decorations are on sale, the impulse to “do it yourself” kicks in hard. But let’s be honest: dealing with tangled cables, blown fuses, and climbing up and down the ladder over and over again feels more like “Survivor: Suburban Edition” than a Hallmark movie. People aren’t idle; they’re just sick of putting their lives on the line for every happy thread.

One big reason people hire someone else to put up their holiday lights is Safety. It’s not for the faint of heart or anyone who cares about their tailbone to climb on roofs in December. Most pros have harnesses, the right ladders, and quick hands. To be honest, most of us are barely ninja-level at balancing cookies and cocoa on the couch.

There’s also the problem of “Pinterest vs. reality.” We all have big ideas, like turning our front yard into a holiday card-like wonderland with lights. Then we realize we only have six functional light bulbs, half a spool of wire, and a new appreciation for Clark Griswold. Not only do experts know how to do things well, but they also have the best lights and installation methods that make your home seem great, never sloppy.

Time is important. Who has the time to untangle strings and test bulbs when they have to bake cookies, go to office parties, and race out to buy last-minute gifts? Getting this done by someone else gives you more time in the evenings for family time and traditions. Instead of a marathon of climbing ladders, you may watch a movie as a family.

Also, if you like things to be just right, you’ll love how the trees are straight and the lines are clear. Pros know how to deal with hard roof angles, layouts, and weatherproofing like it’s second nature. If a strand goes out in the middle of December, you can call them and poof—problem solved before “Jingle Bells” ends.

It’s okay to give up the baton. In fact, it is often cheaper in the long term. Think about how much the equipment costs, how often you have to replace it, and the one light bulb you always forget. A lot of people think it’s cheaper to hire someone else to do it, and they don’t have to worry about extension cords melting in the snow.

In the end, hiring a professional Christmas lighting service is the best choice for everyone: it’s safer, less stressful, and very dazzling. It’s possible that it’s time to add “untangle lights” to your list of things not to do and join the expanding group of stress-free holiday decorators. Your back, your sanity, and your family will all be grateful.