The 1980s was a time of big hair, neon colors, and Christmas traditions that brought families together in ways that feel almost magical today. Many of those customs that defined the season are now part of the past, replaced by new ways of celebrating. But as we reminisce, it’s clear that some holiday practices were as unique to the ’80s as a cassette tape or a perfectly decorated tree. Let’s take a look at 15 Christmas traditions from the ’80s that have completely disappeared.
1. Watching Holiday Specials on VHS
Before streaming services made holiday viewing as simple as clicking a button, we had VHS tapes. Families would gather around the TV to watch beloved Christmas specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, often recording them off TV to rewatch over and over. Those days of waiting in anticipation for a tape to rewind are gone, replaced by instant access.
2. Christmas Caroling Door-to-Door
Caroling was a charming tradition in the ’80s, with groups of neighbors and kids wandering the streets singing songs like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.” Today, the cold weather and busy schedules have made caroling nearly extinct, with few taking the time to spread holiday cheer in person anymore.
3. The Sears Wish Book
The Sears Wish Book was the ultimate holiday catalog, filled with every toy and gadget imaginable. Kids would pour over its glossy pages, circling what they wanted for Christmas. Now, wish lists are more likely to be emailed or sent via text message rather than thumbed through in a book.
4. Driving Around to Look at Christmas Lights
In the ’80s, it was a common family outing to pile into the car and drive around neighborhoods, checking out the Christmas light displays. Whether it was the house with the inflatable Santa or the one with thousands of lights synced to music, these nights out were a highlight. Today, fewer homes go all-out with lights, and many families prefer to stay inside, watching light shows on their TVs.
5. Having a Live Tree Delivered
Getting a live Christmas tree delivered was a common practice for many families. Delivery men would bring the tree right to your door, saving you the hassle of hauling it yourself. With artificial trees becoming more popular and easy to set up, this tradition has mostly disappeared.
6. Taping Christmas TV Commercials
In the ’80s, Christmas-themed TV commercials were a huge deal. From Coca-Cola’s iconic polar bears to the famous Hershey’s Kisses ad, families would often tape these commercials and watch them long after the season passed. These nostalgic clips have mostly been replaced by digital ads that don’t have the same warm, holiday feel.
7. The Advent Calendar with Candy
While Advent calendars are still around, the traditional ones from the ’80s often had little candies behind each door. These were a sweet (literally) way for kids to count down the days to Christmas. Now, many Advent calendars are filled with non-edible items like toys or even beauty products, leaving the chocolate behind.
8. Making Popcorn Garlands
Stringing popcorn and cranberries to hang on the Christmas tree was a popular DIY tradition in the ’80s. It was a fun, family activity that everyone could take part in. These days, ornaments are often store-bought and, with people spending less time at home, the popcorn garlands are a memory of Christmas past.
9. Decorating with Tinsel
Tinsel was a Christmas tree essential in the ’80s. It gave trees a sparkling, festive glow, but it was a bit messy and difficult to clean up, so it has fallen out of favor. Now, people opt for more modern decor like garlands, ribbons, and LED lights.
10. Drinking Eggnog with Alcohol
While eggnog itself isn’t gone, the tradition of adding alcohol—often a spiked version with rum or bourbon—is less common. In the ’80s, serving eggnog with a shot of liquor was a go-to holiday drink for adults. Today, many prefer lighter cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages at their holiday parties.
11. Opening Presents Christmas Eve
For many families in the ’80s, opening a present or two on Christmas Eve was a way to start the holiday festivities. This tradition is still alive in some households, but for many modern families, the excitement is all about Christmas morning, with no presents allowed until then.
12. Holiday House Parties with Games
The ’80s were big on hosting Christmas house parties, complete with games like Pin the Nose on Rudolph, Christmas trivia, and charades. With the shift to more casual celebrations, these structured parties have faded into the background, replaced by simpler gatherings or family dinners.
13. Giving Fruitcakes as Gifts
In the ’80s, fruitcakes were a holiday staple—often given as gifts, whether people liked them or not. These dense, boozy cakes were meant to be enjoyed throughout the season. Today, however, they’ve become more of a joke than a treat, with many opting for cookies or chocolates instead.
14. Writing Letters to Santa and Mailing Them
Before the days of email, kids would sit down with pen and paper, write heartfelt letters to Santa, and drop them in the mailbox. There was something special about this tradition, and many kids even received a letter in return from the North Pole. With the digital age, letters have mostly given way to emails or lists.
15. Making DIY Ornaments
Crafting homemade ornaments was a must-do tradition in the ’80s, with kids making things like salt dough decorations, hand-painted baubles, or even macaroni art. These days, most families simply buy a few fancy ornaments to add to their tree, leaving behind the handmade creations of yesteryear.
As we look back on these traditions, it’s clear that the magic of Christmas in the ’80s had a personal touch and a sense of togetherness. Many of these customs have faded, but the memories of simpler, slower holidays still bring warmth to our hearts. What were some of your favorite Christmas traditions from the ’80s? Let’s share some holiday nostalgia!
