The holidays in the ’80s had a special kind of magic—less about online wish lists and more about face-to-face moments, quirky traditions, and those irreplaceable little details that made the season unforgettable. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the holiday customs we grew up with, the ones we’d love to see make a comeback.
1. Making Popcorn Garlands
Popcorn and cranberries were strung together by hand to drape on the Christmas tree. Sure, it was messy, and half the popcorn ended up eaten before it reached the thread, but it was a family activity that felt festive and creative in a way no pre-made decorations could.
2. Stringing Big, Colorful Bulbs on the House
Before LED lights and perfectly synchronized displays, holiday lights were bold, colorful, and unapologetically oversized. Climbing the ladder with a tangled mess of wires might’ve been a hassle, but the warm glow of those chunky bulbs gave every home a cozy charm that today’s sleek setups just can’t match.
3. Writing Letters to Santa (and Mailing Them)
No apps or instant emails to the North Pole—kids sat down with a pen, carefully scrawling out their wish lists to Santa. Dropping those letters in the mailbox was a moment filled with hope and magic, and sometimes they even got a reply (thanks, local post office!).
4. Watching Holiday Specials Live on TV
Gathering around the TV for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman was a tradition that brought the whole family together. You didn’t dare miss it because there were no streaming services or on-demand replays. That one night was sacred!
5. Flipping Through the Sears Wish Book
The Sears Wish Book wasn’t just a catalog—it was a holiday event. Kids would circle their dream toys, adults browsed for ideas, and the whole family gathered around its glossy pages, dreaming of what might show up under the tree.
6. Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Crafting ornaments out of construction paper, glue, and glitter was a must in the ’80s. Sure, the results were far from perfect (and often messy), but those handmade creations gave the tree a personal touch you couldn’t buy at the store.
7. Singing Door-to-Door Christmas Carols
Caroling wasn’t just something you saw in movies—it was real! Groups of neighbors would bundle up, go door to door, and fill the streets with festive songs. The joy of singing together and seeing the smiles on people’s faces made it worth braving the cold.
8. Holiday School Plays and Pageants
Every school had a holiday show, complete with questionable costumes, forgotten lines, and proud parents snapping pictures. Whether you were a shepherd in the nativity scene or a tree in the background, it was a rite of passage for every kid.
9. DIY Gift Wrap and Paper Chains
Wrapping gifts with brown paper bags decorated with crayon drawings or making endless loops of paper chains to hang around the house was all part of the fun. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about creating something meaningful with your own two hands.
10. Family Polaroid Christmas Cards
Before professional photo shoots became the norm, families would snap a quick Polaroid picture in front of the tree and send it out as a holiday card. The awkward poses, mismatched outfits, and cheesy smiles made them all the more endearing.
11. Holiday Window Displays at Local Stores
Downtown department stores would deck out their windows with elaborate holiday scenes, drawing crowds of families to marvel at the creativity. It felt like stepping into a holiday storybook, and it made Christmas shopping feel magical.
12. Playing Board Games by the Fireplace
Holiday evenings were often spent around the fire, playing Monopoly, Scrabble, or Trivial Pursuit with the family. The laughter, the friendly rivalries, and the inevitable arguments over rules made these nights unforgettable.
Looking back, these traditions weren’t just about celebrating the holidays—they were about connecting with loved ones, slowing down, and embracing the season with open hearts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring some of these simple joys back into our modern celebrations?
