Ah, the nostalgia of holidays long gone. Remember those carefree days as a child in the ’70s, when you could run wild without a care in the world? Back then, your mom wasn’t hovering over you (probably because “helicopter parenting” was still a few decades away), and every holiday felt magical and bright.
You were blissfully unaware of concepts like gratitude trees or community service projects, too busy enjoying family traditions, roasting chestnuts, whipping up gingerbread cookies from scratch (which was simply known as “baking” back then), and belting out Christmas carols with your favorite slightly tipsy uncle.
But was it really as magical as it seems? Not for me. While I cherish my childhood memories and the festive season, the idea of reviving a ’70s Christmas needs to be put to rest. I appreciate the joyful recollections of gingerbread cookies and the brightest camera flashes of my dad capturing those moments. However, I believe we’ve made wonderful strides since then. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on some less-than-glamorous aspects of those ’70s holidays:
Curlers That Hurt
Every Christmas Eve, my mom would wash my hair and spend what felt like an eternity rolling my straight locks into those notorious pink foam curlers. It was a painful process that left me cranky and restless all night. If you’re nostalgic for the “magic foam curlers,” you can even find them on eBay for just $1.84. Who wouldn’t want to sacrifice sleep for beauty?
Unironically Matching Sweaters
Every year, we donned our matching holiday sweaters—some adorned with festive patterns, others just in bright colors—before posing for the annual family photo. You know the one, right? It’s like the “1977” filter on Instagram.
Scratchy Plaid
Forget about cozy flannels; the plaid of the ’70s was thick, itchy, and often made from wool. It was hot and uncomfortable, unlike the breathable fabrics we enjoy today.
Missed Holiday Specials
In the ’70s, there were no DVRs or streaming services. If you wanted to watch Rudolph or Frosty, you had to comb through the newspaper for air times and be glued to the TV when they aired—no bathroom breaks allowed.
Mysterious Veggies
Remember holiday meals before the rise of food blogs? A mix of frozen veggies tossed in heavy cream and topped with something crunchy was considered “green.” How I miss that mush. Or not, because I’d take roasted root vegetables with olive oil any day!
Cigarette Smoke and Pumpkin Pie
It was an era when smoking in front of children seemed acceptable. I wasn’t raised in a smoking household, but family gatherings often included chain-smoking relatives. The stale perfume of smoke lingered in the air, and I still wonder how my asthmatic sister survived those gatherings.
Fruitcake Frenzy
Let’s not even get started on fruitcake. It was an actual dessert back then.
While I treasure my holiday memories—like my grandpa crooning Frank Sinatra and my dad’s animated stories—I’m also grateful for the present. I enjoy smoke-free celebrations and the deliciousness of pumpkin cheesecake. I love roasting marshmallows over the fire while my partner strums holiday tunes on his guitar. The holiday spirit truly transcends decades.
Keep your cherished memories alive and share them with your children, but don’t forget to embrace the present. You might just find yourself in the middle of your kids’ favorite holiday season.
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Summary
In this article, Jamie Thompson reflects on the notion of reviving a ’70s Christmas, highlighting both cherished memories and less desirable aspects of the era. While nostalgia plays a significant role, the piece emphasizes the importance of living in the present and creating new traditions that resonate with today’s values.