Since we are in the middle of December I decided it would be the perfect time to photograph holiday lights. My mind wandered to the origin of these festive decorations, so I did a bit of research to find out the history behind them.

I discovered that in the mid 17th century Christians in Germany began a tradition celebrating the birth of Christ with candles lit on trees. The candles were either attached with a type of pin or glued onto tree branches with wax. Over the years this tradition spread to Europe, Australia, and North America.

The first known electric lights were created by Edward H. Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison. The first electrically lit Christmas tree at the White House was during President Cleveland’s term in 1895, and soon these brightly lit icons were in cities across the United States. Eventually people began using lights to decorate more than just Christmas trees. Mantles, banisters, and doorways were embellished. Porch columns, lawn ornaments, and roof lines glowed in the night.

Today we have lights available in a wide variety of colors. There are strands that twinkle, flash to the rhythm of carols, and turn from a rich shade of red to a festive hue of green. I feel like a kid when I wander around admiring them…there’s still something about it all that stirs up a feeling of childish excitement inside of me.

I hope after reading this you will to take time to pause in the midst of the chaos and flurry to stand back and take it all in…Reflect for a moment on what the holiday season is truly about. I think Dr. Seuss probably says it best:

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more.”

Until my next post, happy holidays from me to you. I hope you enjoy my photos.