There are many traditions associated with Christmas and each has its own history.  One tradition is that of adorning both the interior and exterior of homes, Christmas trees and buildings with Christmas lights.  There is great speculation regarding the origins of Christmas lights and no one is certain of how the tradition had its beginnings, but once electricity was discovered and the light bulb invented, homes, buildings and trees replaced the dangers of lit candle flame with that of strung Christmas lights that ignited when plugged in.

According to the Library of Congress, Thomas Edison, Edward Johnson and Albert Sadacca invented Christmas lights.  Edward Johnson created the first band of stringed Christmas lights in 1882.  The lights consisted of 80 red, white and blue bulbs and he placed the string of lights on his Christmas tree.  You may see photos of the first ‘for public sale’ Christmas lights at the library of Congress here: The General Electric Christmas Lighting Outfit (1903-1904) 

President Cleveland was said to be the first president to adorn a White House Christmas tree in electric Christmas lights.  In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas tree with 3,000 electric lights.  This year, President Barack Obama lit the National Christmas Tree with energy efficient LED lights.  You may see a photo slideshow and video of President Obama lighting the National Christmas tree here: Slideshow: President Obama lights the National Christmas Tree (photos, video) 

Even though Christmas trees are no longer lit with candles, they are not without their hazards.  The National Fire Protection Association released a report in November 2010 titled, “Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires” by Marty Ahrens that states that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 260 home structure fires between 2004 and 2008 due to Christmas tree lights.  According to the NFPA, those fires resulted in 14 civilian deaths, 26 civilian fire injuries and caused $13.8 million in property damage.  You may read the reports here: NFPA Safety Information for consumers: Holidays- Christmas Tree Fires Reports and Statistics 

When used safely, Christmas lights are a wonderful tradition and add a beautiful and often dazzling component to the holiday.  You may find information regarding Holiday Fire Safety from FEMA here: Holiday Fire Safety: FEMA 

You may see amazing photos displaying Christmas lights around the world, including the spectacular “Light of Christmas” held annually in Sydney, Australia in the slideshow to the left.  You may see video of Christmas lights set to techno music in the video player to the left as well.