Believe it or not, some people, we’ll call them Grinches, seek out elaborate holiday displays just to damage them. They get pleasure from destroying something that took a lot of time, effort and money to build. Unfortunately, these displays are often not protected in any substantial way. Here are some solutions:

Use locking cords on decorations that plug into electrical outlets. The cords fasten to the outlet, making it harder to remove the decorations. Weave the cords through fences, trees, and other barriers also to make it harder to pull them out quickly.

Connect zip ties to power cables to further fasten them to nearby fences, branches or other barriers. If decorative pieces are close enough together, zip ties can even connect them together. Zip ties are small enough to not be readily noticeable from a distance and strong enough to withstand pulling and tearing. They are easy to cut, but this takes more time and effort from the thief/vandal.

Position your most expensive decorations close to your home, near windows or up on your roof. Set them up in places that are not easy to reach from the street. Keeping them close to your windows also increases the likelihood that someone in your house will see the decorations being sabotaged.

Use motion controlled lighting and security cameras when you have holiday decorations outside. This is especially true if the decorations are expensive, and you have the financial means to afford the additional protections.

Turn off the displays when you go to sleep. This makes them less likely to draw attention at times when they are most vulnerable.

Speak to your neighbors about keeping an eye on each other’s properties during the holiday season. This helps your neighborhood remain vigilant against threats. It increases the odds that people who do try to steal or damage your decorations will be caught.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy. If you’ve spent the money to decorate the outside of your home, take the effort to protect those decorations from harm. It doesn’t matter where you live, outdoor displays are still vulnerable. It is easier to enjoy your holiday efforts when you have peace of mind that they will still be there when you wake up in the morning or come home from work.