No Christmas Lights and a Happy Christmas

[Rod]

Not strictly true but half of our Christmas tree lights on our tree don't work[emoji20].
It's on a large artificial tree that comes with lights already assembled. I've checked the connectors, everything is sealed but I've a feeling it might be a fault in the controller box which again is sealed.
Hopefully not many will notice, when all the other trimmings are attached, but there's no way I'm getting a replacement this near to Christmas Day!

Anyway a Happy Christmas to one and all.

Rod

 

[AndyP]

My old Wollies set ( about 20 years old) finally gave up this year. replacement bulbs just made matters worse and blew all the original ones, then two fuse bulbs went, then it went in the bin. So only 20 lights on the tree rather than 40. I'll wait at least a week before I buy some buy some more for next year.

 

[RogerS]

We had a clear out and got rid of two sets! Working as well but we are in declutter mode.

 

[Mike G]

We haven't got room for a tree. We've snatched a baby tree from its figurative cradle.......but we're at in laws for xmas so will share the benefit of their foliage instead.

 

[kirkpoore1]

We had a clear out and got rid of two sets! Working as well but we are in declutter mode.

Three of my first four strands failed. Then half the remaining strand waited until I got it on the tree before it failed. Into the trash with all of them. These were the last of my incandescent strands, my two remaining strands are LED's. I just hope the wires are better.

Fortunately, my tree is smaller this year so I didn't need to get replacements.

Kirk

 

[chataigner]

Bought mine in Stowe, Vermont around 25 yrs ago at a silly price in a "Christmas store" and they are still going strong. As they are 120v, I bought two sets and wired them in series. To be on the safe side, I bought a third set to use as spare bulbs 'cos I assumed spares would be difficult in the UK, but I've never changed a single bulb !

 

[RogerS]

Bought mine in Stowe, Vermont around 25 yrs ago at a silly price in a "Christmas store" and they are still going strong. As they are 120v, I bought two sets and wired them in series. To be on the safe side, I bought a third set to use as spare bulbs 'cos I assumed spares would be difficult in the UK, but I've never changed a single bulb !

Now here's the thing. What was it about stuff made all those years ago that makes them last and last? The same goes for clothing. Was talking this over with LOML yesterday and trying to work out what the trigger(s) was for the switch in people's buying decisions from quality to cheapness. I remember my parents in the '50s wouldn't buy anything unless they thought it would last. Now people go for the lowest price. End of. Supermarkets perhaps ? Were they the trigger? Or cheap crap from China and Taiwan...was that where the rot set in?

 

[Rod]

When most of our clothing including the cloth etc was manufactured in the UK, things did seem to last.
The switch to Designer Labels where stuff is produced wherever labour is cheap led to inferior quality but also cheaper prices and a somewhat disposable culture.

Rod