About Outdoor Christmas Lights

What were once simple decorations for a holiday tree, Christmas lights have moved outdoors and reflect the imaginations of homeowners. Whether multi- or single-color, the lighted strands symbolize the celebration of the Christmas holiday season.

Function

When used outside, Christmas lights provide a beautiful display of holiday spirit in the dark of night during the weeks before and after Christmas. They are colorful and make a neighborhood livelier while adding to the exterior decor of a building. The lights can be mounted on the structure itself or used as part of a lawn display.

Types

Outdoor Christmas lights come in an array of colors, styles, shapes and sizes. There are innumerable combinations of colors, ranging from single-color strands to multicolor combinations. Bulbs also are made in different sizes, from miniature to oversize, and can even be shaped like stars or ornaments. The strands themselves can be single or multi-layered, or they are fashioned into shapes such as icicles or nets. The length of the Christmas lights is usually counted by the number of bulbs, such as 50 or 100, rather than by feet.

History

With the advent of electricity at the end of the 19th century, manufacturers realized there was money to be made in different products. In 1882, the first Christmas tree was illuminated by electric lights, and in 1890, the first electric Christmas lights were manufactured for consumer use. More and more people began decorating with the lights, and once buildings were wired for outdoor electrical outlets, outdoor Christmas lights became popular. Today, many home exteriors are decorated with holiday lights throughout the Christmas season, some with extremely elaborate displays.

Time Frame

Outdoor lights are generally installed on the exterior of a building in the weeks preceding Christmas but are on occasion put up before Thanksgiving. After the 12 days of Christmas, culminating with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 of each year, most light displays are removed, signaling the end of the holiday season.

Warning

Depending on how many outdoor Christmas lights are on display, the homeowner's electrical bill could skyrocket if the decorations are left illuminated through the night every night. It's best to shut them off upon retiring for the night or to use a timer to keep electricity usage to a minimum.

Warning

Resources

• History of Christmas lights