A surprise snowfall in early November was all it took for me to switch gears. I was ready to pack away the pumpkins, the vanilla-scented candles, and the “thankful” decorations in favor of all things Christmas. And not just any Christmas—an authentic 1980s Christmas, because that’s where the true holiday spirit thrives.
As someone who believes Christmas is the most magical time of the year, I eagerly await Starbucks’ seasonal drinks and can hardly contain my excitement when Halloween candy goes on clearance. I know the shelves will soon be filled with ornaments, chocolate Santas, and festive wrapping supplies. Growing up in the ’80s, I have cherished Christmas memories that I weave into our family traditions. While I adore the season, I steer clear of modern trends. No Elf on the Shelf, daily book unwrapping, or sleek trees for us. We celebrate in true 1980s fashion. Want to join? Here’s how we do it:
1. Classic Christmas Movies Are a Must.
Throughout November and December, my kids know the drill—they can choose from Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Christmas Vacation, or Elf. That’s the entire lineup! We cozy up with blankets and popcorn, relishing the familiar comfort of Kevin’s antics as he encounters Old Man Marley. We even quote lines back and forth. If you hear my son say, “You’re so pretty! You should be on a Christmas card!” and don’t recognize it, consider our conversation over.
2. Tree Decorating Is a Family Affair.
Our Christmas tree is a delightful mix of ornaments, some dating back to my husband and my childhood. Forget about color coordination or themes—we embrace the chaos! Our collection features plenty of Black Santas and hand-crafted ornaments by the kids, along with garlands that emit a faint whiff of plastic and an old star perched on top. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely not! Think tinsel, colorful bulbs, and those ceramic angels adorned with school pictures—glorious in their hideousness.
3. Baking Cookies—Messy and Fun.
Yes, it can be chaotic and time-consuming. And let’s be honest—the results are rarely Instagram-ready. But the joy my kids find in pouring heaps of neon sprinkles over blobs of icing is priceless. We cut out cookies with festive shapes, and it doesn’t matter how they taste. The magic lies in the process! We also crank up the holiday tunes and, after our cookie extravaganza, we box them up to share with friends and family.
4. Christmas Music on Repeat.
A few years back, I snagged a collection of classic Christmas songs for just $5.99 during a Black Friday sale. Now, our playlist spans over ten hours of holiday melodies we listen to from November 1 until well into January. While we do enjoy some modern renditions, the timeless voices of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bing Crosby are still our favorites.
5. Gift Wrapping with Flair.
Wrapping gifts is a serious business in our household. We don’t do gift bags—no way! I love the charm of mismatched paper tied with ribbons, and stacking those gifts under the tree is a sight to behold. I even embrace the tacky side of wrapping, reminiscent of my grandma who once used Sunday comics to wrap presents.
6. Mailing Holiday Cards.
You read that right! We send out traditional Christmas cards, complete with a printed family photo. I’m not interested in quick text messages. Instead, we carefully address each envelope and decorate them with glittery stickers before mailing them off. When we receive cards, the kids eagerly debate who gets to open them first.
7. Visiting Santa—The Old School Way.
My kids cherish the experience of visiting Santa at the mall. Standing in line, filled with anticipation, only to finally share their Christmas wishes is pure magic. Sure, it’s old-fashioned with Santa seated on a velvet throne, but nothing beats that moment when my kids get to answer his big question: What do you want for Christmas?
I know some might think I have too much time on my hands, but I make it a priority to indulge in these ’80s-inspired traditions during the holidays. There’s something soothing about sipping Swiss Miss hot cocoa while basking in the glow of the Christmas lights. My love for Christmas is deep, and I’m unashamedly excited about it.
For more fun ideas on holiday celebrations, check out this blog post on Home Insemination Kit. For those interested in helpful resources, Resolve.org is an excellent place for information on family-building options. And if you’re looking for reliable products, Make a Mom is a great authority on home insemination.
Summary
This article outlines seven nostalgic ways to celebrate Christmas in an 1980s style, including watching classic films, decorating the tree, baking cookies, and sending holiday cards. It emphasizes the importance of family traditions and the joy of embracing the past during the holiday season.
Keyphrase: 1980s Christmas traditions
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