Since when did people put up lights for Christmas and why?

Why do people put Christmas lights up on their houses?

• Answer:

  Some reasons people put Christmas lights on their houses are: From my understanding, similar to the origin of bringing trees into the house during the winter solstice to liven up the dreary winter, lights or candles were lit around the home to keep it cheery and bright. During the holiday times especially, when people were travelling to see others, candles were put around the outside of the house as a marking for travellers weary from their trek. Before electricity, when there would be absolutely no lights within a house after bedtime, people would place lighted candles on the windowsill for travelers. This became the tradition of placing candles out on Christmas Eve to show St. Nick which houses had children. The tradition of Christmas lights actually originates with ancient peoples that feared the long, dark days of winter. During Winter Solstice time, large bonfires were kept burning the "lure" the sun back. This tradition continued throughout the ages but, like many ancient traditions, it evolved and mutated so much that its origin is not readily clear. People put up lights on Christmas because it's a sign that God it the light of the world.