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Remembering past energy bills that made bill paying in January a memorable experience still makes me shudder. Shell shock is the only phrase that comes to mind when I think of how much energy was wasted before we cut back on our use.

We no longer put Christmas lights out as we figured out they aren't necessary. The lights on the tree are only on for an hour or so the night we put up the tree and during the gift exchange. Thus we save by not having them lit constantly. We've added more garland that reflects the lighting in the room to offset the lights.

Turn down the thermostat when a large amount of people are in the house. Usually a person's body heat rises when numerous people are present due to stimulation and activity. If someone is chilled give them a sweater.

The oven is used numerous times during our holiday season for baking cookies, various confections and meals. During the time the oven is in use we lower the thermostat a few degrees. The house stays warm and the furnace doesn't run as often.

Planning on what to make at a certain time also helps to cut back. Instead of using the oven constantly we plan on multi-dishes to bake at the same time. This cuts down on having to turn the oven on more times than is necessary. For example you can make cookies and pies while baking a turkey or ham.

Washing the dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher saves a lot of energy. If a dishwasher has to be run make sure it is full. Use paper plates and plastic cups when having a large gathering. This cuts down on the amount of dishes to be used during the day.

Check your doors often as little ones often like to run in and out when people gather. Keep a rug in front of the doors to help keep drafts down.

Don't have every light in the house on. Stroll around from room to room every once in awhile to make sure lights are out in unoccupied rooms. Especially the kids rooms as they forget during the excitement of the holidays.

When preparing clothing, table linens, towels and extra bedding for the holidays run full loads of laundry. Most children are out of school thus they seem to change their clothes more frequently during this time. Set rules about changing clothes. We don't want our children wearing dirty clothes but their habit of wearing an outfit for a short time can be expensive if the washer/dryer is running constantly. Only dry what has to be dried right away. Hanging clothes over night will also save as the dryer won't be using the electricity.

I'm sure there are even more ways of cutting energy use during the holidays but these are just a few we have found that work for us. Many of these tips we use everyday as cutting our energy use has become a priority as the cost have risen immensely.

Learn more about this author, Dee Cain.
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