Untangle those strings of lights and dust off the mechanical Christmas characters — the holidays are here and it is time to work on those festive home displays for all to see.

From electric icicles hanging 'round carports to shaka-flashing Santas bedecking backyards, such displays have become a holiday tradition throughout the Islands.

Each year, The Advertiser publishes a listing of many of these exhibits, enabling an organized circle-island tour of holiday lights.

This year's guide will appear in the Island Life section on Dec. 2.

If you plan a home lighting exhibit — simple or elaborate — get the following information to us by Monday, and we'll include it in the guide.

Send your name, phone number, address and a description of the display to: Christmas Lights, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or e-mail it to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com with "Lights" in the subject line; or fax to 525-8055.

We welcome photos — digital or prints — of your displays, which may appear in print or online. Sorry, but photos cannot be returned.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.