Christmas lights are a key component of many people's holiday decorations. They can be found on back porches, wrapped around trees and lining many a house in the streets. They come in various colors, adding flair to the otherwise colorless winter landscape. Christmas lights, often referred to as string lights, go back to the 1800s when they were first used to adorn Christmas trees and brighten the holiday season. Before then, candle lit trees were used to celebrate. Then, electric lights popped up, and they have been a part of Christmas decorations ever since. Today, Christmas lights come in all shapes, sizes and colors. From smaller, single strings of festive lights to large integrated laser shows, you can find lights to complement any celebration. The colors range from bright whites to soft blues to eye-catching reds, greens and yellows. Many people opt for multicolored strings of lights, to match their existing holiday decorations. In addition to homes, you can also find Christmas lights adorning businesses, malls and outdoor areas. Everywhere you look, you can find a place decorated with lights. They can be used indoors or outdoors, giving off a warm, cheerful glow. Christmas lights help to bring the cheer and spirit of the season into our homes and lives. Long after the tree has been put away and the decorations removed, people can still look outside and see the lights twinkling with the reminder of family, friends and happy holidays.