The Trick for ’90s Christmas Charm

All it takes to achieve the classic Home Alone winter glow is choosing incandescent lights. Unlike LED, these lights emit a soft sheen, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas decor. Incandescent lights might not be the most energy-efficient option, but they defined the Christmases of the ’90s.

Not only do they coat your home in cozy warmth, but they are also the oldest type of Christmas lights. In 1882, the long tradition of using wax candles to light up trees started to shift when Edward Hibberd Johnson introduced electric Christmas lights. In addition to providing a fireproof option, he raised the possibility of decorating with multicolored lights.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and you can find lights to cast your house in any color or hue imaginable. Most Christmas lights on the market today are LED, but incandescent options were the trend in the ’90s, so they're the key to nostalgic decorating. White or multicolored incandescent string lights are available at most stores in more eco-friendly options than ever.

Ways to Use Incandescent Lights

For the nostalgic Christmas you've been dreaming of, string up warm incandescent lights anywhere in the house. Drape them on your tree and along your banister with a lush garland, or consider using the lights on your exterior trim to cover your home in a twinkling, cozy glow.

If you want to expand the cozy feel beyond the living room, string lights around your bedroom for a softer glow than overhead lighting, or hang them from the ceiling in hallways or even above your patio.

Consider multicolored lights to achieve the most of the ’90s look. Colorful bulbs can be strung anywhere you would put the simpler white lights. Use them on your tree, or light them up at the front of your house to let the neighbors know your house is the place where Christmas nostalgia flourishes.

John Granen

Safety and Energy Considerations

Classic incandescent lights suck up quite a bit of energy: string lights use about 40 watts and convert most of that into heat, not light. But there's no need to worry, real incandescent bulbs aren't required for the soft ’90s lighting. There are plenty of warm-light LED string lights that are more energy-efficient while maintaining the same incandescent glow.

If you do choose authentic incandescent bulbs for your holiday decorating, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Since they use 90% of their energy to produce heat, incandescent bulbs can become extremely hot to the touch and potentially flammable. Keep them away from flammable items, such as dry pine needles and synthetic materials, and let the bulbs cool completely before handling. The glass used to make Christmas lights is also fragile and breakable, so handle your lights with care and replace the string if even one bulb breaks.