The Lariat

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Holiday

During this holiday season, many different cultures, religions and origins celebrate in a different way. But one thing is universal no matter your beliefs and that is beauty.

Mid December was historically celebrated throughout most of the world and, as many celebrations do, this festive season called for decorations.

Before the invention of electric Christmas lights, people adorned their houses and trees with candles. But in 1890, when Edward Johnson created the first string of electric Christmas lights, people began to illuminate the outside of their homes. By 1900, department stores adopted this new trend, and thus began the tradition of holiday lights.

Most people are satisfied with the new technological advance in Christmas decorations.

"Candles being used to decorate a dehydrated tree doesn't sound too safe," said Jason Brown, 32, business. "That type of display would never work in Orange County today. Poor little Pookie the poodle would turn into a hotdog."

With bountiful colors, shapes and sizes to play with, the opportunities are endless when it comes to dressing up your home.

After the hard work of putting up Christmas lights, most students admit that the reward makes it all worth the while.

"The best part about Christmas lights is that they can be enjoyed by everybody," said Silvia Garcia, 25, psychology. "As a little girl, I thought that the lights were put up by Santa, and as I grew older I respected the tradition because I understood the effort and time it takes families to make their homes beautiful."

Many families and friends gather together each year to witness the decorous displays.

"When I was younger, my family and I would drive around Nelly Gail looking at how much better their Christmas lights were compared to ours, said Justin Jones, 20, animation. "I'll probably share that tradition with my girlfriend this year."
Forsome, decorations becomes a seasonal routine .

"I remember my parents would spend hundreds of dollars on Christmas decorations," Brown said. "My dad would be outside for weeks putting them up and then he would keep them up until Easter."

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