How to Conserve Energy Along with Your Sense of Humor

We all see a spike in our electric bills over the Christmas holidays. Ever wonder why? Ever wonder what you can do to keep the cost down? First, we must look at what is causing the increase in order to work towards cutting costs.

Heat is a primary cause of an increase in electrical expenses. Your heater is working extra hard to keep up with dropping temperatures outside and many heating systems require electricity to blow the heat throughout the house. Here is where you can help out your furnace. We all know to insulate adequately and close any rooms we don't use regularly. Everyone knows to seal those leaky doors and windows too. While you're at it, open those curtains on the sunny side of the house and let some warm sunshine in. Energy suppliers suggest turning your thermostat down to 68. Remember that coat you have hanging in the closet? Well now is the time to break it out. Turn that furnace down, put on your coat and a pair of gloves and rake in the savings! I mean really? 68? If you don't mind being cold, you can really save some money here.

Holiday decorations with lights will also add to your electricity bills. How do you get around this one if you want to decorate festively? It's simple. Don't turn on any other lights. Eat your meals, which you have purchased already prepared, around the lit up Christmas tree. How romantic is this? Remember to put a candle in the bathroom though.

Speaking of food, I know that I usually spend a couple of days cooking for the holidays. Running the oven and cooking on the stovetop really burn up the kilowatts. How do you get around this? Easy, ask everyone else to bring something to eat. Let them cook at their house. You can bring the crackers and cheese, you are not so tired and it's not your electric bill that will jump up. Use paper plates so that you don't have to run the dishwasher, this can add to your energy bill as well!

Here is the fun one; guests. You may have several people overnight for the holidays. This will mean more showers, you will have to open and heat those rooms you don't use, and all the lights in the house will be on. The simple solution is this: invite only people that get along good. Schedule 2 people per shower, have dinner delivered and eat in the light of the Christmas tree. I promise it will be a holiday season to remember!

When it's all said and done, you will see an increase in your energy bills over the holiday season. There really aren't many serious ways to get around it other than being conservative. Plan your cooking wisely, cook more than one thing in the oven at a time to conserve oven time. Turning the furnace down to 70 will help and you should be comfortable in a sweater. Honestly, the coat would be kind of bulky anyway and there are so many things you can't do with gloves on. Holiday lights and guests are just part of the festivities. We have to expect our energy expenses to increase around our Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations. If it really is a problem, cut back a little, but don't eliminate family or celebrations.

Christmas just isn't Christmas without the lights and family gathered all around, laughing and enjoying the most special holiday of all.

For some serious suggestions on conserving energy, click here.

Merry Christmas to you all and may you have a wonderful New Year!