Complete Gardening
The 1970s encapsulated a unique blend of simplicity and joy, especially during the holiday season. Christmas in the ’70s was a time when traditions were heartfelt, and every decoration, song, and festive activity brought warmth and togetherness.
As we reminisce about those days, we recognize the value of bringing back some of these nostalgic traditions.
Here’s a delightful look at 17 Christmas customs from the ’70s that we believe deserve a comeback, each carrying its own charm and story. Let’s rekindle the joy and magic of Christmases past!
1. Homemade Popcorn Garlands
In the ’70s, families often gathered to make homemade popcorn garlands. This simple yet festive tradition brought families together in the living room.
Children and adults alike would string popcorn and cranberries, creating unique and biodegradable decorations. The garlands adorned Christmas trees, adding a personal touch.
This activity promoted creativity and cooperation among family members. It was not just about decoration but about spending quality time together.
Today, reviving this tradition can bring back the joy of handmade holiday crafts and family bonding. A perfect way to disconnect from digital distractions!
2. Christmas Card Exchanges
The ’70s saw an explosion of Christmas card exchanges, a tradition that added a personal touch to holiday greetings. Families and friends exchanged cards featuring iconic 70s designs. Each card held heartfelt messages, strengthening connections.
This tradition fostered a sense of community, as people looked forward to giving and receiving personalized cards. Reviving this custom today can rekindle genuine human connection.
In a digital age, a handwritten card stands out as a thoughtful gesture. It’s time to bring back the excitement of checking the mailbox during the holidays!
3. Christmas Caroling
Christmas caroling was a beloved tradition in the ’70s, bringing communities together through music. Groups of friends and neighbors would gather, dressed warmly, to sing carols door-to-door.
This joyful activity spread holiday cheer and strengthened community bonds. Caroling created joyful memories and brought smiles to listeners’ faces. Reviving this tradition today can bring back the spirit of togetherness.
Organize a group, choose your favorite carols, and spread joy through song. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and connect with your community.
4. Handmade Christmas Ornaments
In the ’70s, making handmade Christmas ornaments was a cherished family activity. Families gathered around tables filled with glitter, glue, and colorful materials, creating unique decorations.
Each ornament told a story, reflecting the creativity and love poured into its creation. This tradition encouraged artistic expression and family bonding.
Today, reviving this tradition can bring back the joy of personalized decorations. Gather your family and craft ornaments that hold special meaning, turning your Christmas tree into a gallery of memories.
5. Fruitcake Baking and Sharing
Fruitcake, a quintessential ’70s Christmas treat, was often baked and shared among families and friends. This dense, fruit-filled cake symbolized holiday abundance and generosity.
Baking fruitcake was a family affair, with everyone contributing to the mixing and baking process. Sharing the cake with loved ones added to its charm.
Today, bringing back this tradition can rekindle the joy of sharing homemade treats. Bake a fruitcake with your family and share it with friends, spreading holiday warmth and sweetness.
6. Christmas Cookie Swaps
Christmas cookie swaps were a delightful tradition in the ’70s, bringing friends and neighbors together. Participants baked their favorite cookies and exchanged them, creating a diverse assortment of treats.
This custom encouraged culinary creativity and sharing, filling homes with the irresistible aroma of baked goods. Today, reviving cookie swaps can bring back the joy of culinary exploration and community spirit.
Host a cookie swap with friends, share recipes, and enjoy a variety of delicious cookies, celebrating the season in a sweet and memorable way.
7. Watching Classic Christmas Movies
Gathering to watch classic Christmas movies was a cherished ’70s tradition. Families would snuggle up with popcorn and blankets, enjoying timeless films that captured holiday magic.
This tradition created lasting memories and brought families closer. Reviving it today can offer a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Choose your favorite classic movies, gather your loved ones, and create a cozy movie night. It’s a wonderful way to relax and celebrate the season together, reminiscing about simpler times.
8. Advent Calendars
Advent calendars were a beloved part of ’70s Christmas celebrations, building anticipation for the big day. These calendars featured small doors, each hiding a festive surprise.
Opening a door each day brought joy and excitement, making the countdown to Christmas magical. Today, reviving this tradition can bring back the wonder of holiday anticipation.
Create or purchase an advent calendar filled with small treats or activities, and enjoy the daily surprises leading up to Christmas. It’s a fun way to enhance the festive atmosphere.
9. Decorating with Tinsel
Tinsel was a staple of ’70s Christmas tree decorations, adding sparkle and shine to holiday displays. Families draped tinsel over tree branches, creating a shimmering effect.
This decoration added glamour and elegance, capturing the festive spirit. Reviving tinsel decorations today can bring back the nostalgia of glistening Christmas trees. Use tinsel sparingly to add a touch of retro charm to your holiday decor.
It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your Christmas tree’s beauty and celebrate the season with a touch of ’70s flair.
10. Family Christmas Newsletters
Family Christmas newsletters were a popular ’70s tradition, allowing families to share their year’s highlights. Typed on typewriters, these newsletters included stories, photos, and family updates.
This tradition strengthened connections and kept loved ones informed. Reviving it today can offer a personal touch to holiday communications. Create a newsletter with your family’s memorable moments and send it to friends and relatives.
It’s a heartfelt way to share your experiences and stay connected, adding a nostalgic touch to your holiday celebrations.
11. DIY Christmas Crackers
DIY Christmas crackers were a fun and creative tradition in the ’70s. Families crafted their own crackers, filled with small trinkets, jokes, and festive surprises.
This activity encouraged creativity and personal expression, adding a unique touch to holiday celebrations. Reviving this tradition today can bring back the joy of crafting personalized holiday items.
Gather your family and create crackers that reflect your style and humor, adding a playful element to your festive gatherings. It’s a delightful way to engage everyone in holiday preparations.
12. Visiting Santa at the Mall
Visiting Santa at the mall was a cherished tradition in the ’70s, creating magical memories for children. The excitement of meeting Santa and sharing Christmas wishes was unmatched.
This tradition brought joy not only to children but also to parents witnessing their excitement. Reviving it today can bring back the wonder of childhood Christmas experiences.
Plan a visit to a local Santa’s grotto and let your children enjoy the magic. Capture the moment with photos, creating memories to treasure for years to come.
13. Holiday Potluck Dinners
Holiday potluck dinners were a staple of ’70s Christmas celebrations, bringing families and friends together to share food and joy. Each guest contributed a dish, creating a diverse and abundant feast.
This tradition fostered a sense of community and togetherness, celebrating the season with love and laughter. Reviving potluck dinners today can bring back the warmth of shared meals and companionship.
Organize a potluck with loved ones and enjoy a variety of homemade dishes, strengthening bonds and creating fond holiday memories.
14. Christmas Craft Fairs
Christmas craft fairs were a beloved ’70s tradition, offering unique handmade gifts and decorations. These fairs brought communities together, showcasing local artisans’ creativity.
Visitors enjoyed browsing stalls filled with handcrafted items, finding special treasures for loved ones. Reviving craft fairs today can support local artists and bring back the joy of discovering one-of-a-kind gifts.
Attend or organize a craft fair this holiday season, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate local talent and find meaningful gifts.
15. Listening to Vinyl Christmas Albums
Listening to vinyl Christmas albums was a cherished ’70s tradition, filling homes with the warm, rich sounds of classic holiday music. Families gathered around turntables to enjoy festive tunes.
This tradition created a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, enhancing holiday celebrations. Reviving it today can bring back the charm of analog music.
Dust off your vintage records or explore new ones, and enjoy the unique sound quality. Gather your loved ones and create a holiday playlist, celebrating the season with music that resonates with warmth and nostalgia.
16. Christmas Tree Lot Visits
Visiting Christmas tree lots was a popular ’70s tradition, marking the start of holiday festivities. Families ventured to local lots to choose the perfect tree, enjoying the fresh pine scent.
This outing was filled with excitement and anticipation, creating lasting memories. Reviving this tradition today can bring back the joy of selecting a real tree.
Visit a local tree lot with your family, embrace the festive atmosphere, and find the tree that will light up your home. It’s a wonderful way to kick-start your holiday celebrations.
17. Holiday Light Tours
Holiday light tours were a magical ’70s tradition, delighting families as they drove through neighborhoods to admire festive displays. Homes were adorned with twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland.
This activity brought joy and awe, capturing the enchantment of the season. Reviving light tours today can offer a nostalgic and enchanting experience.
Plan a route and enjoy an evening drive with your family, discovering beautifully decorated homes. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season and create lasting holiday memories.