Every time you make something fool-proof, they come out with a better fool.
Electrical work used to be a 'dark art' whose mysteries deterred most from attempting it. That is not no longer the case. Rather. "You can do it ..." has become an ad slogan.
Holiday lights are likely the area of the most irresponsible electrical practices. I doubt that an technical wizardry can prevent such foolishness. We can, however, take steps to reduce the risk.
I've spoken -nay, even preached- many times: The Code Book is neither a design manual, or a DIY manual. Nor is it enough to 'build to plan.'
As the ONLY qualified professionals in the room, we need to look at things as they really will be used ... and see that the design addresses the actual uses. Things to consider:
-Multiple outdoor receptacles, circuits, and switches for the likely use by holiday lighting;
-Receptacles where they will be used - such as under the eaves;
-Individual GFCI receptacles, rather than placing the entire circuit on one GFCI (to limit the scope of a problem); and,
-Considering indoor requirements as well.
