Although we are several weeks away from the official kickoff of the holidays, you have to take good weather when you get it in Nebraska.

So our family has gotten out the holiday lights a little early this year, and judging from outdoor activity on our block, so are others. We've tested the strands and have almost finished stringing them on the bushes and wrapping them carefully around our large maple tree.

It is such a relief to know we won't be freezing our fingers like we normally do when this task presents itself.

It can be risky business. According to statistics on the subject, 11,000 people are treated for decorating-related accidents in emergency rooms during the 60 days of the holiday season.

For those of you who are planning on tackling this chore while the weather holds, here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind:

* Take precautions, if using a ladder. Keep metal ladders away from wires. Make sure it is on level ground near the tree you are decorating.

* Check lights for defects. Newer lights with thicker wires, made especially for outdoor use are best. Check strands for cracked sockets, frayed wires and lose connections.

* Flick the Off switch. Make sure holiday lights are turned off at night - either manually or automatically.

Even if you do get your lights up early, consider waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to fliip the switch. No sense in rushing the season.