Christmas in the 1960s: A Nostalgic Journey Through a Magical Season

Christmas in the 1960s: A Nostalgic Journey Through a Magical Season

The Christmas season of the 1960s holds a special place in the hearts of those who experienced it. It was a decade marked by profound cultural shifts, but the holiday season remained a time of warmth, tradition, and togetherness. The sights, sounds, and scents of a 1960s Christmas evoke a simpler era when families gathered around the TV for holiday specials, decorated aluminum trees with gleaming ornaments, and delighted in the joy of giving and receiving gifts wrapped in colorful paper. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through the Christmas season of the 1960s, exploring how families celebrated, what traditions endured, and how the culture of the time shaped the holiday spirit.

A 60’s Kid

I am a 60’s kid. Born in 1955, like many of my friends shared the 60s Christmas Experience. A couple of years ago, I wrote a book on my love for Christmas. I did all that I could to bring my children and grandchildren into the Christmas experiences I had as a child. 

A Time of Tradition and Change

The 1960s was a transformative decade. The optimism of the early years, symbolized by the youthful energy of the Kennedy administration, gave way to the turbulence of the later years with the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. Yet, despite the cultural upheaval, the Christmas season retained its comforting traditions.

The holiday season in the 1960s was a mix of post-war prosperity and burgeoning modernity. Families were thriving in the expanding middle class, and the commercialization of Christmas brought a dazzling array of new products and trends. At the same time, many people clung to timeless customs: singing carols, attending church services, and gathering for festive meals.

Decorating the 1960s Home

Aluminum Christmas Trees

One of the most iconic symbols of a 1960s Christmas was the aluminum Christmas tree. These shimmering, futuristic trees were a stark departure from traditional evergreen trees. Popularized by companies like Aluminum Specialty Company, these trees came in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and even pastel pink or blue. Families often placed their aluminum trees in a corner of the living room and illuminated them with rotating color wheels that bathed the branches in shifting hues of red, green, blue, and yellow.

My parents never did one of these, but plenty of my friends’ families did. My parents did live trees as we got older, planting them about the property of our home. 

Ornaments and Lights

Christmas ornaments in the 1960s were vibrant and eye-catching. Glass baubles, often hand-painted and imported from countries like Germany, were popular choices. Tinsel, known for its reflective sparkle, was draped generously over tree branches. Bubble lights, another hallmark of the era, added a whimsical touch as they glowed and gurgled with liquid-filled tubes.

My mom brought many of the antique decorations and decor into our home she was brought up. 

Holiday Wreaths and Décor

Wreaths made from shiny metallic materials or fresh pine adorned front doors, while strings of large, colorful C7 or C9 bulbs illuminated the exteriors of homes. Indoors, families displayed ceramic Christmas villages and nativity scenes, often passed down through generations.

Shopping for Christmas Gifts

Department Stores and Window Displays

Christmas Book by Lee Johndrow

For many, the magic of Christmas in the 1960s began with a trip to a bustling downtown department store. Stores like Sears, Montgomery Ward, and Macy’s transformed their windows into enchanting winter wonderlands, complete with animated displays of Santa’s workshop, frolicking reindeer, or snow-covered villages. These windows drew crowds of shoppers who marveled at the creativity and craftsmanship.

My mom would bring us into many of the classic stores of New England.

The Joy of Toy Shopping

For children, the Christmas season was synonymous with toys, and the 1960s introduced some of the most iconic playthings of the 20th century. Parents flocked to stores to buy:

• Barbie Dolls: Mattel’s Barbie, introduced in 1959, became a holiday staple. By the 1960s, she had an extensive wardrobe and a Dream House to boot.
• Easy-Bake Oven: This revolutionary toy let kids “bake” their own mini cakes and cookies using a light bulb for heat.
• G.I. Joe: Launched in 1964, G.I. Joe was a must-have for boys, offering hours of imaginative play.
• Board Games: Classic games like Candy Land and Life made their way under the tree, offering family-friendly entertainment during the holidays.

Catalog Shopping

The Sears Wish Book and other mail-order catalogs were essential tools for holiday shopping. Families pored over these catalogs, circling their most-wanted items and eagerly awaiting the packages’ arrival. The catalogs featured everything from toys and clothing to appliances and home goods, making them a one-stop shop for Christmas dreams.

The Sounds of the Season

Christmas Music

Music was at the heart of the holiday season in the 1960s. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” remained a beloved classic, while newer hits like Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and Bobby Helms’s “Jingle Bell Rock” brought a contemporary twist.

The 1960s also saw the rise of television specials featuring beloved musicians like Andy Williams and Perry Como, whose Christmas albums and holiday specials became annual traditions. These shows were filled with festive music, cozy settings, and heartwarming performances.

Caroling and Community

Caroling was a cherished activity during the holiday season. Groups of friends and neighbors bundled up and strolled from house to house, singing timeless favorites like “Silent Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “Deck the Halls.” The joyful sound of voices in harmony filled neighborhoods, creating a sense of unity and holiday spirit.

Holiday Entertainment

Christmas Television Specials

Television brought the magic of Christmas into living rooms across America. The 1960s gave rise to some of the most enduring holiday specials, including:

• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964): This stop-motion classic, featuring Burl Ives as the voice of Sam the Snowman, became a beloved holiday tradition.
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): With its heartfelt message about the true meaning of Christmas and Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy soundtrack, this animated special touched the hearts of millions.
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966): Narrated by Boris Karloff, this adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s book captured the whimsy and wonder of the season.

Movies at the Cinema

Families flocked to theaters during the holiday season to watch festive films or blockbuster hits. Classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas were shown at local cinemas, while newer releases provided something fresh for moviegoers.

Festive Feasts and Treats

Christmas Dinner

The Christmas dinner table in the 1960s featured a blend of traditional dishes and modern conveniences. Main courses often included roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib, accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Jell-O molds, a hallmark of mid-century cuisine, were a popular side dish, often filled with fruit or marshmallows.

Baking Traditions

Holiday baking was a family affair. Kitchens were filled with the scent of gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles, and fruitcake—love it or hate it, it was a staple of the season. Families often exchanged cookie tins with neighbors, spreading holiday cheer through sweet treats.

Drinks of the Season

Eggnog, sometimes spiked with rum or bourbon for the adults, was a holiday favorite. Wassail, a warm spiced cider, added a cozy touch to family gatherings, while hot cocoa topped with marshmallows delighted children.

Faith and Reflection

For many, the Christmas season in the 1960s was a time of spiritual reflection and celebration. Churches were central to the holiday experience, offering candlelit Christmas Eve services, nativity plays, and carol concerts. These moments reminded families of the religious significance of the season, bringing a sense of peace and purpose amidst the holiday hustle.

Giving Back

The spirit of generosity was alive and well during the 1960s. Many families supported charities by donating toys, clothing, or money to those in need. Salvation Army bell ringers stood outside stores, collecting coins in red kettles, and local food drives ensured that everyone could enjoy a festive meal.

A Decade of Memories

The 1960s was a time when Christmas felt both timeless and new. It was a decade when technology, like color TV and space-age aluminum trees, brought modern flair to holiday celebrations, but families still cherished old-fashioned traditions like caroling, baking cookies, and gathering around the tree. The magic of the season lay in its ability to bring people together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Today, the Christmas season of the 1960s is remembered fondly for its charm, warmth, and simplicity. As we decorate our trees, shop for gifts, and sing carols, we’re reminded of the joy that comes from celebrating the season with those we love—just as they did more than 60 years ago.

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