Whether you live in Texas, Oregon, or North Pole, Alaska, it just wouldn't be Christmastime without twinkling lights. Bulbs blinking red and green or classic white have become a part of our identity, a symbol of prosperity, holiday cheer, and end-of-the-year celebration.

Christmas lights actually have a history that dates all the way back to the pagan rituals of northern Europe. The custom of the Yule Log, a bonfire of sorts, began in the 12th century, and is thought to have served as a representation of hope that the sun would once again shine brightly, ending the darkness of December. The story of Christmas decorations begins millennia ago, even before the first Christmas. Green fir trees were first used by pagans during Roman times to celebrate the winter solstice and other seasonal festivals (including Saturnalia, the Roman festival of lights that Christmas day is currently based on). The trees were adorned with natural decorations like pine cones, berries, and nuts, and later with candles and other handmade ornaments. The “modern” Christmas tree first emerged in the 15th or 16th century, when Christians in modern-day Germany adopted the tradition of the tree as a symbol of everlasting life with God. It was during this time that many classic Christmas ornaments first appeared, including the angel at the top of the tree and the classic German bulb-shaped ornament. Interestingly, the first synthetic Christmas trees were also developed at this time, as those who couldn’t afford trees built pyramids of wood, which they decorated with paper, apples, and leaves to mimic the appearance of green firs. German immigrants brought these practices with them to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the traditions of the Christmas trees, candles, and ornaments were promptly rejected by Puritanical religious groups for their historically pagan connotations. While many foreign-born Americans continued to practice these traditions amongst themselves, it would take an event on the other side of the Atlantic to change many other Americans’ minds.

Christmas Tree in Queen Victoria's mansion