How long ago were they invented?

Thomas Edison invented the incandescent electric light, as you may remember. Mr. Edison proudly adorned his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey in the year 1880 with the first electric Christmas lights. Me. Edison’s friend and business colleague, Edward Johnson, took on the responsibility to see that New York City was illuminated that year. Mr. Johnson also was the first to use inside Christmas lights in his home.

Much publicity was given to Mr. Johnson in the local newspapers at Christmas of 1882. It was that year that he decorated a six foot Christmas tree with sparkling lights. The magazine, “Electric World” also published this noteworthy event and described his as the “handsomest tree in the United States. The New York Times picked up the story In 1884, describing how Mr. Johnson amused his children when he first lit the six foot illuminated tree. Earlier in the previous years, Mr. Edison had invented a motor that Mr. Johnson decided to use to make the tree even more fascinating, by making it revolve on its base.

Some families didn’t get to have Christmas lights right away

Everyone was not able to join in on the new lighting invention. Basically, the cost for hiring an electrician and the prices of the lights themselves was just too much for most people. So, for the vast majority, small candles were still used to light their Christmas trees. There was, indeed, great danger involved in this type of tree lighting, but the tradition lasted until the 20th century for some.

It had always been feared that a fire would someday end the tradition of using the candlelight for decorating Christmas trees. And that fear came to pass in 1917, when a tragic fire was caused by the candlelit tree in someone’s home. Immediately, novelty companies, and ultimately, General Electric began manufacturing electric tree lights that were affordable for everyone. By 1930, most everyone was using them.

It is a rareity today to see a Christmas tree that is not adorned with beautiful, sparkling electric lights. Sometimes a tree is beautifully decorated and then spotlighted for emphasis, but electric Christmas tree lights are the vogue. Each year, something new and innovative is introduced in the lighting market. Particularly interesting are the new icicle lights that are stretched around the edges of rooftops. Be aware that it is an expensive way of decorating though, so much so, that many people leave them up year around.