I don't know "like what used to have" is.
We do extensive Halloween and Christmas displays. I consider myself (kind of) an expert on lighting, not because of my vast knowledge but because I have made just about every (expensive) mistake possible and I have learned from them.
A few of my most basic recommendations are:
1. If the lights do not say anything about staying lit when one light goes out, RUN AWAY!!!
2. Consider using "build your own" (commercial) lights where you buy a string of wire with sockets, cut it to length and insert your own lights. You can make light sets as big (you can buy 1000' reels) or small as you want. You can custom build sets, to size, for windows, doors, trees, etc.
3. Use only LEDs for light bulbs.
4. Learn about SPT 1 and SPT 2 wire (both 18-gauge wire with different external size) and vampire plugs. This will make your life much easier! You can (and we do) use SPT wire to make custom, cut-to-length extension cords with multiple female plugs on one cord.
5. Learn the difference in C-7 and C-9 bulbs. C-7's are the size that we had on our Christmas trees when we were kids and C-9 were the big bulbs on our outside windows.
6. If you want lights for one season, anything is fine. If you want the lights to last several seasons, stay away from the "box store" lights and buy only commercial lights. They cost more initially but are a lot less problems.
If you want to replace the lights in your deer with the "old style" C-7 bulbs, it's very easy. I would recommend buying lights with white wire and sockets. You can buy different socket spacing and you can add sockets anywhere you want between the existing sockets.
17 results for 'white SPT' | 1000Bulbs.com
Here are a few links. I have linked only one company, but there are a lot of different companies that have comparable products and prices. We have been using these lights for several years with only replacing an occasional single LED bulb.
If I can help any, give me a shout on here or PM me.
First is a link to our Facebook Smith Family Holiday Display page:
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