The holidays in the ’80s were a magical time—full of bright lights, cheerful gatherings, and traditions that seem wild by today’s standards. But looking back, some of these beloved customs might raise an eyebrow or two. Whether it was safety hazards or just a bit of good old-fashioned recklessness, these traditions were part of what made the season unforgettable.
1. Stringing Up Those Overloaded Christmas Lights
Remember untangling a massive ball of Christmas lights only to plug them in and blow a fuse? Houses in the ’80s were lit up like Times Square, but all those incandescent bulbs on overloaded circuits made house fires a real risk. We didn’t think twice about running wires through dry trees or using extension cords that could barely handle the load.
2. Tinsel Made with Actual Lead
Tinsel was a must-have for any respectable tree in the ’80s, but older varieties were made with lead—a fact that wasn’t widely known. It draped beautifully, but the health risks were no joke. Kids played with it, pets chewed on it, and we never thought twice about its shimmering dangers.
3. Opening Presents by a Real Fire
A roaring fire was the quintessential holiday backdrop, but tossing wrapping paper into the flames? Not the brightest idea. Those colorful papers and foils created toxic fumes and sparks that could send embers flying. But it sure looked festive while it lasted!
4. Homemade Ornaments with Fragile Glass
Nothing screamed “holiday spirit” like crafting ornaments with fragile, easily breakable glass balls. If one of these shattered, you were left with shards everywhere—just waiting to be stepped on. But hey, a little danger never stopped us from embracing the holiday DIY spirit.
5. Caroling Without Reflective Gear
Gathering a group to go caroling around the neighborhood was wholesome fun, but safety wasn’t exactly top-of-mind. Walking dark streets in non-reflective holiday outfits with candles in hand made for a picturesque (but precarious) scene.
6. Spraying Snow Flocking Indoors
Who didn’t love a frosted windowpane or a tree covered in fake snow? Spray snow flocking was all the rage, but the aerosol chemicals were potent. We’d fill entire rooms with the stuff, unaware that we were inhaling a cocktail of potentially harmful fumes.
7. Drinking Eggnog with Raw Eggs
Holiday eggnog was rich, creamy, and often made from scratch—which meant raw eggs were a key ingredient. While it added authenticity, it also added a real risk of salmonella. And yet, every sip felt like holiday magic!
8. Lighting Actual Candles on Christmas Trees
Yes, some families still embraced this very old-fashioned tradition in the ’80s. Real candles on real trees created a breathtaking sight—and an equally breathtaking fire hazard. You had to watch those flames like a hawk!
9. Toy Guns That Looked Too Realistic
Under many Christmas trees in the ’80s, you’d find toy guns that looked so real they could cause panic today. Kids loved playing cops and robbers in the backyard, but the lack of safety standards made these toys a risky gift.
10. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks to See Lights
Piling into the open bed of a pickup truck to cruise through the neighborhood’s best light displays was a thrilling holiday adventure. Seat belts? Forget it! It was all about the fun, no matter how bumpy or cold the ride.
11. The Mystery of the Fruitcake
The infamous holiday fruitcake was more than a joke gift—it was a tough, dense dessert that could probably double as a blunt object. If you didn’t like it, you could always re-gift it. Just don’t drop it on your foot—it might’ve done some damage!
12. Sparklers and Fireworks Indoors
What better way to jazz up Christmas morning than with sparklers? Some families took holiday celebrations to the next level by bringing sparklers or even small fireworks indoors. It was a short-lived thrill with the very real possibility of setting the curtains ablaze.
Looking back on these traditions, it’s clear the holidays in the ’80s were as bold as they were warm and festive. While some of these practices wouldn’t fly today, they’re part of what made that era so unique—and they still bring a smile to our faces when we remember the laughter, the love, and yes, even the occasional chaos of Christmas past.
