Hello @litguru
I think the lights are expressions of creativity. Maybe wasteful, but everything we do wastes resources in one way or another. This activity has a great dividend: happiness :)
Actually, tree lighting goes back further, to Germany, I believe. In that case, candles...fire!!!...was put in the branches. Not a really practical idea I think :)
Have a great New Year🌟
It just goes to show how electricity has changed our societies. Towns were particularly vulnerable to fires in those pre-electric eras.
May you also have a shiny New Year! ✨