Christmas lights are one of those things that define the holiday season. They are usually one of the first decorations to go up to start the Christmas celebrations and typically the last to come down when it is all over. Most take them down soon after the New Year celebrations are over.
Sometimes people leave them up all year . . . You know who you are.
Variety is the name of the game when it comes to Christmas lights. Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes. LED’s are the current light of choice as they use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, they last far longer than traditional lights, and they are quite durable. LED’s are also versatile; not only do they come in all the traditional shapes (C9’s and C7’s as well as mini lights), but also in “wide angle,” shimmering spot, and other varieties.
But there is something about a string of vintage Christmas lights that gets the nostalgia bubbling, and there are no greater nostalgic Christmas lights than . . . bubble lights!
First patented in the 1930’s, millions of bubble lights were manufactured from the 40’s to the 70’s, when they fell out of favor as people’s go-to decorative lighting.
Then there’s the little problem that the contents of bubble lights can be poisonous. Of course. Because the most fun things always seem to be dangerous. Like lawn darts.
Health hazards aside, if you are looking for vintage Christmas-time illumination, bubble lights remain a super-nostalgic way to brighten your holidays. You can buy them—and all kinds of other Christmas lights—.
What are your favorite Christmas lights? Do you prefer colored ones? Or perhaps just white? Maybe you have some other brilliant way you light your tree or house? Let us know in the comments below!
HEADER PHOTO by | Used under Creative Commons License (CC by 2.0)
This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon.com. If you purchase a product after clicking an affiliate link (and it doesn’t even need to be the one I’ve linked to), I receive a small percentage of the sale for referring you, at no extra cost to you. So if you are thinking about shopping from Amazon.com this year anyway, why not help a blogger out? Thanks!
I prefer white lights, although I grew up with multi-colored lights and sometimes want a little throwback. Luckily we bought at LED pre-lit tree this year that switches between white and multi-colored with the push of a button!
Well, how cool is that…I’ve never seen one like that – which seems perfect if you’re having a hard time deciding. Everyone’s happy that way 🙂
Corey – I don’t see any affiliate link here, FYI. I’m happy to support you. (I’m going to buy someone a little nostalgia for Christmas!)
If you click on the word remain in the last paragraph it takes you to Amazon🙂
Wow this takes me back! Mama got bubble lights for our tree when I was a kid and I’d sit for hours just staring at them. My parents probably started to think they’d produced a complete idiot!
I LOVE the concept of your blog! Although your nostalgia is my life and reminds me I’m old I’m going to be spending a lot of time here!
My mom used to put bubble lights on our tree every year and I would do the same thing you did – just stare at them for hours. As a kid, they just seemed so magical to me. They still are pretty magical 🙂 Glad you like the blog – we are going to be doing some fun posts coming up soon so we are glad you found us and will be able to enjoy them!