Does anyone use Smart Lighting with Alexa etc, Controlled whilst your away from home.

I have smart plugs controlled by alexa. I set up a routine so the plug, connected to a lamp, comes on five minutes after sunset and goes off at 10.30 pm. If I'm in and want it on or off, I just say Alexa, first plug on (or off).

I have one lamp controlled by Alexa. Recently I had trouble with it as Alexa said "lamp is not responding." We had received a new router. I gave all my devices the new password, but forgot about the smart plug . It's fixed now!
Anyway, I can control the lamp from the Alexa app on my phone, and it does work.
If you go for it, it is really simple to do.

Sounds good will do a bit more homework thanks

Our daughter came to stay with our granddaughter last week for a few days. She was frustrated half way through the night because the little bedside lamp wouldn’t go on. She had to breast feed and change the granddaughter in darkness.
My husband had set up the light using commands to Alexa without telling me. I was not impressed it’s very handy the technology but next time my daughter stays it’s going back on manual.

I have 3 lights and a ring doorbell attached to Alexa.
I have the smart light bulbs. You can set them to come on at sunset or a set time before or after. This is an improvement on a timer as the time of sunset changes daily. You can always override the "routine" using your phone or tablet or simply asking Alexa to turn whichever light (you give them names) on or off. I simply say Alexa goodnight to turn them off or leave them on to turn off at the time set. The possibilities are endless.
The only con is that if there is a power cut or somebody (usually DH) switches the light off at the switch then you'll need to turn it off and on again through the Alexa app for the set timer to work.

I am thinking of getting a smart plug for the Christmas lights.

Sounds like Alexa is pretty smart ! lol.