As the Christmas season approaches, it is a common holiday tradition for families to get a Christmas tree and decorate it. The big question is whether we should use white or colored lights for the tree. Due to the traditional classy look, it is clear that white lights are the only option.
Before diving into the differences between white and colored lights, you might want to learn the history behind using lights as decorations. The idea of using light to celebrate the holiday came before the invention of electricity. Those who could afford them used to place candles in their tree to express their Christmas spirit. These lit candles symbolized the life and light of Jesus. The problem with candles, however, was that they were the cause of multiple fires. This led the inventor Edward Johnson and his partner, Thomas Edison, to create a string of electric lights, using a single wire and eight bulky lightbulbs. Johnson’s creation did not quickly become a trend within the United States as many people did not trust electricity and the price of the light bulbs were too expensive. However, in 1895, President Grover Cleveland used the string lights to decorate a Christmas tree in the White House which helped start the light’s increasing popularity. Fast forward to the present- where decorating our homes and Christmas trees with string lights is a common tradition in the U.S.
As time passed, different string lights were created. For example, Christmas lights now have different-sized bulbs, some have the option to twinkle, but most importantly, there are various colors. White lights are the better option to choose. The white lights give the house a simple, elegant look that the colored lights lack. Heather Molyneux only uses white lights to decorate her home and tree. She stated that white lights “look better than colored lights and are more classic.” White lights also have positive psychological effects on our minds. According to the article “The Psychology of Christmas Trees,” white lights create a cozy and inviting environment that “promotes feelings of warmth and security.” Molyneux herself has experienced the positive effects of white lights. She says looking at them “Brings me great joy, makes me feel warm, and puts me in the Christmas spirit.”
Some people, however, do not believe that white lights are the best choice; instead, they prefer colored lights. Macey Najarian is a senior in high school who has used colored lights in her house ever since she was little. Najarian states, “I prefer colored lights because they add a pop of color to the rest of the room and contrast from just the white and red decorations in the house.” She continues, “I feel comforted by colored lights, as they remind me of my childhood.” A journalist, Melissa Locker also mentioned in an article that the “sparkling scenery of multi-colored lights invites visions of the holidays and instantly transforms a room from ordinary into a festive holiday environment.” On the other hand, the same can be said about white lights.
It should be noted that whatever Christmas lights you like or choose is completely up to personal preference; however, due to their traditional classy look and the positive psychological effects they have on people, white lights are the better option to use on your tree.
Sources:
https://time.com/4152307/christmas-tree-lights-history/
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/white-christmas-lights-better-than-colored
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/white-christmas-lights-better-than-colored
https://www.balsamhill.com/inspiration/best-colored-christmas-lights
