by Shawn Crowle
Every year, as the holiday season rolls in, we find ourselves wrapping strings of Christmas lights around trees, windows, and rooftops – but have you ever stopped to think about how these twinkling bulbs came to be? The history of Christmas lights is a fascinating story of tradition, innovation, and safety that’s well worth exploring!
A Flicker of Tradition: The Early Days of Christmas Lights and Candlelit Beginnings
Let’s rewind to the 16the century, when families in Germany first began decorating their Christmas trees with candles. These lights were meant to represent the stars shining over Bethlehem on that holy night. While the effect was magical, the practice came with a hefty risk – open flames and dry trees didn’t mix well. It was beautiful, yes, but also dangerous. Fast forward to today and it’s easy to see how far we’ve come in terns of Christmas safety!
The Electric Revolution: Enter Edward H. Johnson
In 1882, a man named Edward H. Johnson, who worked closely with Thomas Edison, brought us the first electrically lit Christmas tree in New York City. It wasn’t just any tree – it had 80 red, white, and blue electric bulbs.
Can you imagine how stunning (and groundbreaking) that must have looked? This was the start of a whole new era in the history of Christmas decorations. No more open flames – just the steady glow of electric lights.
The Glow-Up: The 20th Century’s Christmas Light Boom
As we moved into the 1900s, electric Christmas lights became more and more popular. In 1903, General Electric made it easier for people to get their hands on these lights by offering pre-wired strings, and by the 1920s, communities started to embrace Christmas lights on a bigger scale, decorating public spaces like parks and city squares to spread holiday cheer.
Fast forward to the 1980s and Christmas tree lights were getting a whole new look. The era saw the rise of multi-coloured bulbs that made trees look even more vibrant, and for the first time, you could buy lights that were specifically designed for trees – no more wrapping up regular string lights and hoping for the best! The 1980s also saw the introduction of “flashing” lights, making them even more eye-catching and perfect for those big holiday displays. These new options brought a fresh pop of colour to homes everywhere, making the holiday season even brighter!
But before all that, there was something truly magical that brightened up many a Christmas tree – bubble lights! These nostalgic beauties, first introduced in the 19402, had a special charm. The glass tubes would bubble and fizz as the heat from the bulb warmed the liquid inside, creating a mesmerizing glow. It was like having tiny, festive fountains on your tree! If you’ve ever had the joy of seeing these in action, you’ll know why they’re the favourite of many – myself included.
The LED Era: A Game Changer for Efficiency and Safety
Now, let’s jump to the late 20th century when LED Christmas lights entered the scene. These little lights are not just more efficient – they’ve completely changed the game in terms of safety and sustainability. Here’s why:
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, so you can deck out your home without worrying about sky-high electricity bills.
- Safety First: LEDs don’t heat up nearly as much as older bulbs, so they’re safer to use around trees and other flammable decorations. Gone are the days of worrying about hot lights catching your tree on fire!
- Long-Lasting: LED lights last much longer than their incadescent counterparts, meaning fewer replacements and less waste. Plus, they’re more durable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking them or burning them out after one season!
Modern Marvels: Beyond the Basics of Christmas Lights
Today, the world of Christmas lights is more diverse than ever. There are solar-powered lights, projection lights, and even smart lights you can control from your phone. These innovations not only give you more options for decorating but also help conserve energy, making the holidays even brighter (and greener)!
Safety First: Decorating Responsibly
While it’s fun to decorate your home with beautiful Christmas lights, it’s always important to stay safe. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Inspect Your Lights: Before you string up those lights, make sure they’re in good condition. Broken wires or faulty bulbs can be dangerous, so it’s worth taking a moment to check for wear and tear.
- Don’t Overload Circuits: It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas lights, but be mindful of how much power you’re drawing. Overloading outlets can lead to circuit problems or even fires.
- Choose Certified Products: Always make sure your lights are safety-tested and certified by recognized organizations. That way, you can feel confident that you’re lighting up your home the safe way!
From the days of candlelit trees to the modern, energy-efficient LED lights we use today, Christmas lights have come a long way. They represent more than just a decoration – they’re as symbol of how far we’ve come in terms of both technology and safety.
