Christmas in the ‘70s was a magical, warm, and deeply connected time. Back then, celebrations weren’t about shiny new gadgets or scrolling through online deals but about being together, embracing the warmth of community, and indulging in traditions that felt timeless. These were the small but powerful traditions that filled the season with charm, joy, and neighborly connection. If only we could bring back these traditions, maybe we’d rediscover the spirit of Christmas that so many of us are searching for today.
1. Watching TV Specials Together as a Family
Before on-demand streaming, we waited all year for those classic holiday specials: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. The family would sit together, snuggle under blankets, and laugh or tear up at scenes we’d seen dozens of times. It was simple, cozy, and unforgettable.
2. Homemade Decorations Everywhere
Back then, tree trimmings and decorations weren’t just pulled from a box—they were made by hand. Families spent nights cutting out paper snowflakes, stringing popcorn garlands, and crafting ornaments. Seeing a tree covered in personal, hand-made touches brought warmth and character to homes, making each one uniquely special.
3. Sending Handwritten Christmas Cards
Each card took time and thought; you’d carefully select one that matched the person, write out a heartfelt message, and send it with real anticipation. A mailbox filled with Christmas cards from loved ones felt like a gift in itself, each one a reminder that someone was thinking of you. Now, in the age of texts and emails, the art of handwritten cards has all but disappeared.
4. The Big Event of Putting the Angel or Star on Top of the Tree
One of the most special moments was the final touch—placing the angel or star at the very top of the Christmas tree. Parents would lift a little one up to reach the top branch, or sometimes the whole family would cheer as the final piece was placed, signifying the tree was complete. It was a beautiful family moment, filled with excitement and pride.
5. Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree
The annual hunt for the family Christmas tree was its own adventure. You’d bundle up, head to a local farm or lot, and wander around debating which tree was “the one.” It was about more than just finding a tree—it was the experience of sharing laughs, disagreements, and, finally, satisfaction once the perfect tree was chosen.
6. Taking Care of the Real Christmas Tree
Having a real tree meant daily tasks like watering it, vacuuming up fallen needles, and sometimes rearranging ornaments to fill in sparse areas. The scent of pine filled the house, and everyone learned to tread lightly around the tree to keep it standing proudly until Christmas Day. The care that went into it made the tree feel like part of the family.
7. Waking Up Parents at the Crack of Dawn
Christmas morning started with early risers sneaking down the hall or bouncing on parents’ beds, trying to get them up as early as possible. The thrill of seeing what Santa had left made it impossible to sleep in, and as soon as the parents were up, the festive chaos began.
8. Going Caroling with Neighbors
There was something so simple and pure about bundling up, gathering a group of friends or family, and strolling from house to house singing Christmas carols. It brought neighbors together, broke down barriers, and filled the night with music. Caroling was a beautiful way to feel close to people, sharing the joy of the season face-to-face.
9. Covering the Tree in Shimmering Tinsel
Nothing says classic Christmas like strands of glistening tinsel hanging delicately from every branch. Kids would toss tinsel haphazardly, while parents tried to keep it looking even, and by the end, the tree would be a glittering masterpiece. The careful placement (and cleanup!) of tinsel added a little bit of sparkle that made the whole room feel magical.
10. Handcrafted Gifts
Whether it was knitting a scarf, sewing a pillow, or making fudge, there was something so heartfelt about giving a gift you’d made with your own hands. People cherished these presents because they came with love and effort—a rare and beautiful gift that meant so much more than anything bought in a store.
11. Christmas Light Tours
In the ‘70s, neighborhoods would go all out with Christmas lights, and families would pile into the car to drive around and marvel at the displays. House after house would be twinkling, and it became a friendly competition among neighbors. Those outings filled the evening with “oohs” and “aahs” and created cherished memories that were shared across the community.
12. Digging Deep into the Stocking
There was nothing quite like pulling out one treasure after another from a carefully hung stocking and reaching all the way to the toe to make sure no candy or toy was left behind. Stockings were packed with surprises, from chocolates to small toys, and each item felt like a hidden treat meant just for you.
13. Making Phone Calls on Christmas Day
Before FaceTime and social media, a Christmas Day phone call was a treasured way to hear loved ones’ voices. Families would take turns on the landline, catching up with grandparents, cousins, and distant friends. Those calls bridged distances and brought loved ones closer, making each ring feel like a gift of connection and warmth.
These ‘70s Christmas traditions weren’t just activities—they were part of what made the holiday season feel so rich, warm, and connected. Bringing them back, even in small ways, could help us recapture that old-fashioned spirit, slow down, and appreciate the simple joys. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s traditions like these that remind us what Christmas is all about: the love, laughter, and lasting memories we share with the people who matter most.
