What next?

The new standards are geared to increase energy efficiency, lower consumers' bills and create less pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

"American consumers are smart enough to determine for themselves which form of light bulb best suits their particular needs," said James Taylor, senior fellow for environmental policy at The Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based conservative public policy group. "There is no compelling reason to take this decision away from free individuals, and the House should be applauded for confronting such nonsense."

But opponents have voiced a variety of other concerns.

Some have said they are concerned about compact fluorescents because they contain mercury, a toxic metal linked to birth defects and behavioral disorders. The EPA has said the average bulb has 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury, enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. While no mercury is emitted while the bulbs are in use, vapors can escape if the bulb is broken.

But the Alliance to Save Energy, an energy independence organization, has said that amount of mercury is just a fraction of what was in old-fashioned thermometers.

The conservative Eagle Forum has said it is concerned that the light bulb issue can set a bad precedent.

"If we don't take a stand to save our light bulbs, what will they go after next?" the group wrote in an alert to supporters.

And Americans for Limited Government representatives maintain Congress is overstepping its authority.

"The American people are extremely concerned there won't be any of their favorite bulbs left on the shelves once the new standards go into effect," said Robert Romano, senior editor.

Memories of my sister stirring me from bed at 5:30 in the so cold, so dark morning in order to scamper to the living room to see how Santa transformed the living room, full of warmth, color, and magic, are precious to me to this day.

When I was a child in public schools, each December an evening winter program was performed for parents with all kinds of kids singing traditional Christmas carols (something verboten today). I was never confused by it. I can easily light Sabbath candles and eat my latkes while getting a lump in my throat at the sight of Kris Kringle's cane in the climax of 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street." I'm perfectly comfortable in my Jewish skin.

Both my parents are gone now, but not the traditions they provided for my brother, sister and me. And I proudly pass on these traditions to my two Jewish boys, who I hope continue to embrace the season as they grow older and have their own families.

Of course, kids love presents and, sure, it's commercial.

But it's so much more. Cool weather combined with warm feelings, inspirational music, family togetherness, kindness for strangers - a marvelous medley in a world of ugliness that gets bleaker by the year.

Yes, I'm Jewish and I love Christmas, and I don't care what anyone thinks of that. It's good to feel good. At least one month of the year.