About National Holiday Lights Day
Get ready to deck the halls, or more accurately, the exterior of your house! December 1st marks National Holiday Lights Day, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday decorating season for many.
It's the perfect excuse to string up those dazzling lights, illuminate your yard with festive displays, and transform your home into a beacon of holiday cheer.
What is National Holiday Lights Day
While the exact origins of National Holiday Lights Day are a bit dim, the tradition of decorating with lights during the winter holidays dates back centuries. Before electric lights, people would use candles to illuminate their Christmas trees, a beautiful but often dangerous practice. Imagine a world where every misplaced candle posed a serious fire hazard!
The advent of electricity and, specifically, electric Christmas tree lights in the late 19th century revolutionized holiday decorating.
Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, was the first to have electric lights on his Christmas tree in 1882, sparking a tradition that would eventually glow across the globe. What started as a luxury for the wealthy slowly became a beloved custom for families everywhere.
Today, holiday lights come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from classic incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs, creating stunning spectacles both indoors and out.
So, why December 1st? It's often considered the ideal time to start decorating, allowing you to enjoy your festive displays throughout the entire holiday season without feeling like you've put them up too early. It's a day to embrace the sparkle, the warmth, and the sheer joy that holiday lights bring to neighborhoods and communities.
How to Observe National Holiday Lights Day
There are countless ways to get into the spirit of National Holiday Lights Day! Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just starting, here are some ideas:
Decorate Your Home: This is the most obvious way! Pull out those boxes of lights, untangle the strands, and start adorning your home. Don't forget your trees, shrubs, and railings.
Take a Drive to See Lights: If decorating isn't your forte, or even if it is, pile into the car with some hot cocoa and festive music. Drive around your neighborhood or local communities to admire the spectacular displays created by others. Many towns have specific areas known for their elaborate light shows.
Attend a Tree Lighting Ceremony: Many cities and towns host public tree lighting ceremonies around this time. It's a wonderful way to experience the magic of holiday lights with your community.
Share Your Creations Online: Snap some photos of your dazzling decorations and share them on social media using #NationalHolidayLightsDay. Inspire others with your festive flair!
Plan a Holiday Lights Walk: Bundle up and take a stroll through your neighborhood after dark to enjoy the glowing ambiance. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and feel the holiday spirit.
Did you know? The White House didn't get electric lights until 1885, when Grover Cleveland refused to have them installed due to the cost and his personal preference for gaslight!
Did you know? The first commercially produced Christmas tree lights were sold in 1890, but they were so expensive that only the very wealthy could afford them.
Did you know? Many communities host "Tacky Light Tours" where people compete for the most over-the-top, festive, and sometimes comically excessive holiday light displays.
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