Discover new ideas for automating your holidays using smart plugs and home automation devices. Learn how to make dumb devices smart with smart plugs and control your energy usage. Get tips for automating a holiday music playlist and decorating your home. Explore powering a smart USB sensor with Anker Prime Power Bank and using a smart home friendly USB power switch. Find out how to automate your holiday season with tips for organizing a secret center and Elf on the Shelf.
Automate your holiday decorations using smart plugs to schedule the turning on and off of lights and other decorations.
Create a holiday-themed playlist and automate it with smart speakers to have festive music fill your home automatically.
Enhance the efficiency and convenience of your holiday lighting by using occupancy sensors to automatically control the lights based on occupancy.
Deep dives
Automate Your Holiday Decorations with Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a great way to automate your holiday decorations. You can use them to control your Christmas lights, outdoor decorations, and even your Christmas tree. Simply plug your decorations into a smart plug and set up a schedule for them to turn on and off. This way, you can have your lights automatically turn on at sunset and turn off at a specific time, without having to manually switch them on and off every day. Smart plugs are affordable and easy to set up, making them a convenient solution for automating your holiday decorations.
Create a Holiday Music Playlist with Smart Speakers
Take your holiday music to the next level by creating a playlist and automating it with smart speakers. Use a music streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify to create a holiday-themed playlist. Then, set up automation using smart speakers, such as HomePod or equivalent devices. You can schedule the playlist to start playing at certain times of the day, like in the morning when you wake up, or when you arrive home. This way, you can have festive music fill your home automatically, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere.
Automate Lighting with Occupancy Sensors
Make your holiday lighting more efficient and convenient by using occupancy sensors. Occupancy sensors are motion sensors that can detect the presence of people in a room. You can install these sensors in strategic locations, such as your living room, kitchen, or hallway, and set up automation to control the lights based on occupancy. When someone enters the room, the lights will automatically turn on, and when the room is empty, the lights will turn off. This eliminates the need to manually switch lights on and off and ensures that lights are only used when needed, saving energy and enhancing convenience.
Consider Solar-Powered or USB-Powered Lights
If you want to reduce energy consumption and make your holiday lighting more sustainable, consider using solar-powered or USB-powered lights. Solar-powered lights use a small solar panel to charge during the day and automatically turn on at dusk. These lights are eco-friendly and require no electrical wiring or outlets. USB-powered lights, on the other hand, can be plugged into a USB port, such as a power bank or computer, and can provide decorative lighting without the need for traditional electrical outlets. These options not only save energy but also offer flexibility in where you place your holiday lights.
Simplify Gift Exchanges with Online Services
Organizing gift exchanges, whether for work or among friends and family, can be time-consuming and challenging. Consider using online services like Elfster to simplify the process. Elfster allows you to create a digital wishlist, match participants for gift exchanges, and manage all the logistics of the exchange. Participants can add desired gifts, provide notes or preferences, and even send anonymous messages to their assigned gift recipients. Elfster streamlines the gift exchange process, making it easier for everyone involved and ensuring a fun and organized experience.