Christmas has always been a season of magic, but how it’s celebrated evolves with each generation. Being born in the 1980s, I’ve often reflected on the differences between the Christmases of my childhood and those of earlier eras—particularly the 1950s, a time that continues to capture my imagination with its simplicity, charm, and iconic traditions. Let’s take a festive journey through these two decades to see how the holiday transformed over time, blending nostalgia with new trends.
The 1950s were an era of optimism. With the end of World War II, families embraced Christmas as a time of joy and togetherness. The economy was thriving, which meant more families could afford festive decorations, gifts, and special holiday meals.
Decorations:
In the 1950s, Christmas trees were a mix of the traditional and the innovative. Real pine trees filled homes with their fresh scent, but aluminum Christmas trees—shiny, metallic, and futuristic—were making their debut. Paired with color wheels that bathed the trees in rotating hues of red, blue, and green, they became a symbol of mid-century modern style. Tinsel was everywhere, and lights were large, colorful bulbs strung inside and outside the home.
Entertainment:
Families gathered around their radios or newly purchased televisions to enjoy holiday specials like The Bing Crosby Christmas Show. The 1950s also marked the golden era of holiday music, with timeless classics like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song filling the airwaves.
Gifts:
Children of the 1950s dreamed of toys like Lionel train sets, Shirley Temple dolls, or pedal cars. Board games like Monopoly were also popular, encouraging families to spend quality time together. Gifts were simpler and often practical, but they were deeply appreciated.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and Christmas had taken on a bigger, flashier, and more commercialized vibe. The holiday season reflected the boldness of the decade, with technology, pop culture, and marketing campaigns playing a starring role.
Decorations:
By the 1980s, artificial trees had become more common, often adorned with a mix of glass ornaments, bright garlands, and multicolored twinkle lights. Inflatable lawn decorations and light-up Santas began to appear, signaling the growing trend of outdoor displays. Tinsel and foil garlands were still popular, but the overall aesthetic was less about minimalism and more about making a bold statement.
Entertainment:
Television ruled the 1980s, and holiday specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman became essential viewing. The 1983 release of A Christmas Story quickly turned it into a holiday staple. Meanwhile, music leaned into pop culture with songs like Last Christmas by Wham! and Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Gifts:
The 1980s ushered in the age of must-have toys, with Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, and Nintendo Entertainment Systems topping wish lists. For teens, the Walkman was a coveted gift, while adults appreciated gadgets like VCRs or Polaroid cameras. Commercialism played a larger role, with stores competing to market the latest “it” gift of the season.
Despite their differences, Christmas in both the 1950s and 1980s was about creating memories. Families gathered for holiday meals, sang carols, and spent time together by the glow of the Christmas tree. Church services on Christmas Eve and visits to see Santa at the local department store remained beloved traditions.
Having grown up in the 1980s, I cherish memories of bold Christmas lights, marathon viewings of Home Alone, and the excitement of unwrapping that one special gift under the tree. But there’s something enchanting about imagining the Christmases of the 1950s—a quieter, simpler time when the season felt less hurried and more about togetherness than ticking items off a list.
The beauty of Christmas is how it evolves with each generation, yet holds onto its core: a celebration of love, joy, and the spirit of giving. Whether it’s the cozy charm of the 1950s or the vibrant energy of the 1980s, every decade brings its own magic to the most wonderful time of the year.
