Historic Holiday Traditions

Thomas Edison and his associate Edward Johnson created the first string of electric holiday lights in 1880. This replaced the dangerous practice of using candles on trees.

Carolers are people who go from house to house singing songs, particularly during the holiday season. The other options do not fit the context of holiday tree decorating.

The tradition of baking holiday cookies dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe, specifically the 16th century, as spices became more available.

Fruitcake is a dense, preserved cake often associated with holiday gift-giving and is frequently the subject of jokes regarding its longevity and taste.

Tinsel consists of thin strips of shiny metal or plastic used as a decorative material on holiday trees.

The word wreath comes from the Old English 'writha', but the custom of using evergreen wreaths is deeply rooted in Ancient Greek and Roman traditions.

The modern holiday tree tradition is widely credited to 16th-century Germany, where Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.