Now, if I could only find Christmas tree lights like the ones we used to be able to get 10 or 12 years ago. We had strings of lights that we had bought that lasted a long time. My husband had cannabilized all that he could, so two years ago we had to get new lights. Well, we put a ton of lights on the tree and the tree seemed really dark, you couldn't really even make out the ornaments. Also, I have some Hallmark "Light and Sound" type ornaments and they didn't fit into the new lights.
The new lights did not even last for two years, as by the end of the Christmas season last year, 2/3's of them were dark. It was so aggravating.
If anyone knows where you could get a hold of the type of lights that people used to use, please let me know.
Perhaps yard sales, rummage sales and/or thrift shops would have the Christmas lights you are looking for.
If possible, test them before purchasing just to make sure they work.