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 The hanging of Christmas tree lights has been a holiday tradition in many households for hundreds of years. From their long history to the fond memories they invoke in the minds of many, young and old, these decorations will continue to grow in popularity every year. As with so many holiday products in the marketplace, there are a number of choices when shopping for Christmas tree lights, making each display original and special.
These bright holiday decorations have touched many countries and their cultures in different ways over time. During the 17th century, small candles attached with melted wax were used to adorn trees during the holidays and to represent those Christians that were worshiping. This tradition slowly spread through Germany and the Eastern portion of Europe. Once popularity grew in the United Kingdom during the reign of Queen Victoria, emigration allowed for its spread to North America. Candles were still utilized until electrical power became more affordable during the 19th century. Christmas tree lights as we know them today were created by Edward H. Johnson and were initially hung in the United States by larger businesses. They continued to be too expensive for the average family until the 1950’s. Nowadays, these illuminated strands of bulbs, referred to as “fairy lights” in the UK, are a common sight during the holiday season.
Christmas tree lights have grown in such popularity that they are now seen in other locations beyond hanging alongside decorative holiday ornaments on fragrant or artificial Xmas trees. They are used to brighten up and outline homes, porches, windows, landscaping, and entire store fronts. In addition, they have given public holiday displays an added touch. From city streetlamps and animated exhibits to the Eiffel Tower and Rockefeller Center, holiday lighting alone attracts audiences to many venues annually. Not only are they widely used in December, they are now available in color choices beyond the traditional red and green. Many households use such decorations for days such as Halloween, Easter, and even the 4th of July. The color choices and combinations are endless.
There are other aspects to take into consideration beyond what color bulbs will best fit a particular display. Many families and businesses today are concerned with keeping any additional costs to a minimum as well as decreasing their personal impact on the environment. LED, or Light Emitting Diode types are an ideal choice that will satisfy both of these issues. The standard strands hung for many years use incandescent bulbs, which last about 1,000 hours and can use 5-10 watts per bulb. LED strands are much more environmentally friendly as they utilize under the 4 watt mark per entire strand. Not only will this lighten the load on the electric bill, the chance of overheating and potential decoration related fires is greatly decreased. While they can cost a bit more than other types of illumination, their benefits make them well worth the investment. Overall, they are much more cost effective in the long run and last a great deal longer. While incandescent bulbs last roughly 1000 hours, their LED counterparts can last upwards of 50 to 100 thousand hours. In addition, they are much more reliable. When one bulb malfunctions, the remaining portion of the strand remains illuminated. They are constructed of heavy duty plastic, making them more durable and easy to store during the off season.
Whether incandescent, fluorescent, or LED, the options in color and style are infinite. No matter what the personal preference may be, Christmas tree lights are an affordable way to show holiday spirit and bring joy to those inside as well as those passing by. They will surely add an inviting touch for Santa Claus and his sleigh.
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