Christmas lights are a common sight around Christmas time. Every year people decorate their homes, businesses, and city streets with colorful strings of sparkling lights. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to the 17th century, when believers in Christianity placed small oil lamps and candles around their homes to represent the Star of Bethlehem that led the Three Wise Men to the manger. The modern Christmas lights came about in the early 19th century with Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, and his invention of the first string of electric Christmas lights. In the early 1950s, the first large-scale outdoor Christmas lights were displayed in New York City. Since then, Christmas lights have become more and more elaborate and popular around the world. From simple strings of lights to large light displays, it is a beautifying and festive way to make the holiday season brighter. Lighting up the winter season with Christmas lights is a festive tradition that helps bring a reminder of hope in the midst of cold and dark nights. It is a modern symbol of bringing in light and joy during a season that can often feel overwhelming. It gives us the chance to celebrate and appreciate our time spent together as family and friends.