As the first snowflakes of early November fell, I felt a familiar rush of excitement wash over me. It was time to swap out the pumpkins and autumn decorations for everything Christmas—particularly, the magic of an ’80s Christmas. For me, the holiday season is the absolute best time of the year, filled with nostalgia and warmth. The moment Starbucks begins serving peppermint mochas, I know the season is in full swing. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discounted Halloween candy, knowing it’s just a prelude to a wonderful Christmas filled with ornaments, chocolate Santas, and festive wrapping paper.
Growing up in the ’80s, I have cherished holiday traditions that I now carry on with my family of six. While I adore the season, I steer clear of modern trends. We don’t partake in Elf on the Shelf or unwrap a daily Christmas book. Instead, we embrace the spirit of Christmas in the way it was celebrated decades ago. Here’s how we do it:
1. Classic Christmas Movie Nights
Every November and December, my children eagerly choose from a select list of films: Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Christmas Vacation, and Elf. We blanket the living room with pillows and popcorn, ready to relive the laughter and joy—especially when Kevin bumps into Old Man Marley. My son’s enthusiastic remarks, “You’re so pretty! You should be on a Christmas card!” are a sweet reminder of our favorite lines. If you don’t recognize that quote, well, our conversation might end there.
2. Family Tree Decorating
Our Christmas tree is a delightful mishmash of ornaments, some dating back to our childhood. There’s no theme or color coordination here—only a vibrant assembly of Black Santas, handmade crafts from the kids, and a vintage star perched on top. I refuse to make our tree Instagram-worthy; this is a home, not a showroom. We proudly display tinsel, colorful bulbs, and even those quirky school photo ornaments from yesteryears.
3. Cookie Baking Extravaganza
Yes, baking cookies is messy and often chaotic, but my kids adore piling on colorful sprinkles and slathering icing on their creations. While the end result may not be visually appealing, it’s all about the experience. With holiday music playing in the background, we pack up our festive cookies to share with friends and family, spreading the joy of the season.
4. Christmas Music Playlist
Several years ago, I invested in a collection of classic Christmas tunes for a steal. Our playlist, which now spans over ten hours, plays from November through the New Year. While we do enjoy contemporary hits, nothing beats the timeless melodies of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bing Crosby.
5. Gift Wrapping Ritual
When it comes to wrapping gifts, I go all out. I pull out vibrant wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags, avoiding the convenience of gift bags. There’s something magical about seeing a colorful pile of mismatched gifts under the tree, each one wrapped with love. My grandmother used to wrap presents in Sunday comic strips—now that’s retro!
6. Sending Christmas Cards
We still embrace the tradition of mailing Christmas cards, complete with a family photo. Forget the impersonal texts; we buy themed stamps, handwrite addresses, and add a touch of sparkle with holiday stickers. When cards arrive in the mail, my kids can hardly wait to see who gets to open them first.
7. Visiting Santa at the Mall
Each year, my children eagerly anticipate their visit to Santa. The excitement of standing in line for their turn is pure holiday magic. With Santa in his vintage velvet attire, the joy of answering “What do you want for Christmas?” is a cherished moment for us all.
In this busy world, I make it a priority to relish these ’80s traditions during the holiday season. There’s something comforting about sipping Swiss Miss hot cocoa while basking in the glow of Christmas lights. My love for Christmas is unwavering, and I’m happy to share it.
For more insights on parenting and holiday celebrations, check out this post. If you’re interested in home insemination options, this site provides excellent resources. Additionally, this Wikipedia page is a fantastic source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary
This article highlights seven nostalgic traditions for celebrating Christmas in an ’80s style, from classic movie nights to family cookie baking and sending heartfelt cards. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cherished customs while creating new memories with family.
Leave a Reply