You want the kind of holiday EverLights that would make Clark Griswold green with envy, but you don’t want something bad to happen or your wallet to cry uncle. Let’s get through the maze of getting good lighting help without making you feel like you gave Santa your credit card number.

First up, the connections. Don’t be satisfied with nice websites or social feeds. Talk to your friend about the people who are putting lights on their pine tree. Talk to people at work. Review scores of five stars are never more important than true stories. A quick search for complaints or chatter on community boards can point out people who might be causing trouble faster than a string of blinking lights.

Ask to see proof of your insurance. It seems boring—but it’s important. If you fall off a shaky ladder, it can break your Christmas spirit and your bank account. You shouldn’t even look at a company again if they mess up this question.

Make an in-depth plan. Ask what comes with it, right down to the cords and timers. One neighbor thought she had found gold, but takedown and storing costs were higher than she thought. That hurts. Get put down what you want to know is covered. Paper trails are very cool for the holidays.

Watch out for the cash trap. Even though a good company may ask for a fee, if they want the full payment before the first twinkle is strung, that’s a sign that something is wrong. Don’t take anything out of the sleigh before the horses get there.

Look at real work. Sometimes a team says they’ll take you to the moon but all they bring you is a pocket full of dim stars. Ask to look at some new pictures. Your holiday set-up might be more Clark than classic if they delay.

Stay away from the lowest bid drama. That low price could mean that corners were cut, the lights are dim, or the installation is shaky. “Buy cheap, cry twice,” my uncle used to say.

Ask for a time frame. Some businesses are booked up faster than a bake sale full of gingerbread cookies. You might have to look at ladders and jumbled cords while your neighbors sip cocoa if they can’t give you a clear start and end date.

Be clear when you talk. Be clear about what you want: the color, the pattern, the timers, and where the lines will go. Not assume anything. It took two weeks for a guy’s Santa to fully blow up because the wires were in the wrong place. Oh no.

Don’t forget about guarantees. Professionals who do good work stand behind it. Ask if they can fix broken lights and zip ties in the middle of the season. Going up the icy roof isn’t as fun as having peace of mind.

Also, trust your gut. If the person can’t answer basic questions or makes you feel uncomfortable, look for someone else. There are many elves in the world. Choose people who make you happy instead of ones who cause you trouble.

Lights should make you happy, not feel bad. You don’t have to worry about the Grinch taking your money if you are curious, careful, and a little stubborn. So grab a cup of cocoa and watch your house glow.