Reflecting on childhood holidays can evoke a sense of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up in the 1970s. The carefree days of youth, when children roamed freely and the constraints of modern parenting were nonexistent, often paint a picture of joy and simplicity. Many recall cheerful holidays filled with family gatherings, homemade treats, and festive songs shared with loved ones.
However, the romanticized notion of a “perfect” 1970s Christmas deserves some scrutiny. While I have fond memories of family celebrations, I firmly believe that the push to revert to that era is misguided. I do not desire a 1970s Christmas, and here’s why.
Let’s explore some of the less-than-glamorous aspects of those holidays:
Painful Hair Curlers:
Every Christmas Eve, my mother would wash my straight hair and spend endless minutes wrestling with hot pink foam curlers. The tightness created discomfort, leading to restless nights filled with frustration. While you can still find these curlers online for a mere $1.84, the price of beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of a good night’s sleep.
Matching Holiday Sweaters:
The tradition of wearing matching Christmas sweaters, often adorned with gaudy patterns, was a common sight during family photo sessions. While these sweaters may appear humorous today, they were often worn without a hint of irony, setting the stage for countless cringe-worthy holiday snapshots.
Scratchy Plaid:
The plaid attire of the 1970s was typically made from rough wool, leaving many feeling hot and uncomfortable. Today, we have access to far more comfortable and stylish options, enhancing our holiday experience.
Limited Viewing Options:
The absence of DVRs or streaming services meant that we had to rely on printed TV listings to catch holiday specials. If you missed them, there were no reruns; you simply had to wait another year.
Subpar Holiday Meals:
Before the rise of culinary influencers and Pinterest, holiday meals often consisted of overcooked vegetables swimming in heavy cream. The concept of “green” food back then was far less appetizing—thankfully, we now have healthier, more appealing alternatives.
Secondhand Smoke:
Holidays were also marked by the pervasive presence of cigarette smoke, as many relatives lit up around children without a second thought. It’s a relief that smoking indoors is no longer the norm, creating a healthier environment for family gatherings.
Outdated Desserts:
Fruitcake was once a staple dessert, but let’s be honest—it rarely pleased anyone’s palate. Today, we have a plethora of delicious dessert options to choose from, making the holiday meal far more enjoyable.
I cherish my holiday memories—stories shared with my family, laughter around the fireplace, and the excitement of unwrapping gifts. However, I also appreciate the advancements we’ve made since those days. Today’s holidays can be filled with joy, free from the burdens of the past. It’s important to celebrate the present and create new memories with our children, as they may be experiencing their favorite decade right now.
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In summary, while it’s wonderful to hold on to cherished memories, we must also embrace the present. Today’s holiday experiences can be just as magical, if not more so, than those of the past. After all, we may very well be in the midst of creating our children’s favorite holiday memories.
Keyphrase: 1970s Christmas nostalgia
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