The 1960s was a transformative decade that saw significant cultural, social, and economic changes. Amidst the turmoil and upheaval, Christmas remained a cherished holiday, a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic look back at what Christmas looked like in the 1960s, exploring the traditions, trends, and cultural influences that defined the holiday during this iconic decade.
A Time of Tradition and Family
For many families in the 1960s, Christmas was a time-honored tradition that brought people together. The holiday was often celebrated with a strong emphasis on family, friends, and community. Homes were decorated with festive lights, garlands, and wreaths, while the sound of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra filled the airwaves.
Decorations and Ornaments
Christmas decorations in the 1960s were often homemade or handmade, with families creating their own ornaments, wreaths, and garlands using materials like paper, felt, and popcorn. The introduction of aluminum Christmas trees in the early 1960s added a modern touch to holiday decor, while the popularity of tinsel and glittering ornaments gave homes a festive sparkle.
Popular Christmas Ornaments of the 1960s
Some popular Christmas ornaments of the 1960s include:
- Shiny Brite glass balls
- Mercury glass ornaments
- Hand-painted ceramic figurines
- Popcorn and cranberry garlands
Gift-Giving and Toys
Gift-giving was a significant part of Christmas in the 1960s, with children eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and the presents he brought. Toys and games were often simple, yet imaginative, with popular items including:
Popular Toys of the 1960s
Some popular toys of the 1960s include:
- Barbie dolls
- G.I. Joe action figures
- Easy-Bake Ovens
- Twister
- Etch A Sketch
The Rise of Television and Advertising
The 1960s saw a significant increase in television ownership, with many families gathering around the TV to watch holiday specials and advertisements. The rise of advertising on television helped shape the way people thought about Christmas, with popular brands like Coca-Cola and Disney creating iconic holiday ads that remain popular today.
Music and Entertainment
Music played a significant role in Christmas celebrations of the 1960s, with popular artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald releasing holiday albums that remain classics to this day. The decade also saw the rise of holiday television specials, with shows like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” becoming beloved traditions.
Popular Christmas Albums of the 1960s
Some popular Christmas albums of the 1960s include:
- Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”
- Frank Sinatra’s “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra”
- Ella Fitzgerald’s “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas”
- Andy Williams’ “The Andy Williams Christmas Album”
Holiday Television Specials
The 1960s saw the rise of holiday television specials, with shows like:
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
- “A Christmas Carol” (1960)
- “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” (1962)
Cultural Influences and Social Change
The 1960s was a decade of significant cultural and social change, with the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement, and the anti-war movement all gaining momentum. Christmas celebrations during this time reflected these changes, with many families incorporating new traditions and values into their holiday celebrations.
The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement had a significant impact on Christmas celebrations in the 1960s, with many African American families incorporating traditional African and African American customs into their holiday celebrations. The movement also highlighted issues of inequality and social justice, with many people using the holiday season as an opportunity to raise awareness and promote change.
The Role of Women in Christmas Celebrations
The feminist movement of the 1960s also had an impact on Christmas celebrations, with many women challenging traditional roles and expectations. Women began to take on more prominent roles in holiday planning and preparation, and the decade saw a rise in women’s participation in the workforce and public life.
Conclusion
Christmas in the 1960s was a time of tradition and family, gift-giving and toys, music and entertainment, and cultural influences and social change. The decade saw significant changes in the way people celebrated the holiday, with the rise of television and advertising, the Civil Rights Movement, and the feminist movement all leaving their mark. As we look back on this iconic decade, we’re reminded of the enduring power of Christmas to bring people together and promote values of love, kindness, and generosity.
What were some popular Christmas traditions in the 1960s?
Christmas traditions in the 1960s were characterized by a strong sense of family and community. Many families would come together to decorate their homes, often with handmade ornaments and decorations. They would also engage in activities such as baking Christmas cookies, singing carols, and watching holiday-themed television specials. Additionally, it was common for families to attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, followed by a festive meal with loved ones.
Another popular tradition during this time was the exchange of gifts. Children would often write letters to Santa Claus, and families would spend hours wrapping presents and placing them under the Christmas tree. The tradition of sending Christmas cards was also prevalent, with many people taking the time to write personalized messages to friends and family. Overall, Christmas in the 1960s was a time for joy, giving, and celebration with those closest to you.
What were some popular Christmas toys and games in the 1960s?
The 1960s were a time of great innovation in the toy industry, with many popular Christmas toys and games that are still remembered fondly today. Some popular toys of the decade included Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe action figures, and Easy-Bake Ovens. Board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue were also popular, as were outdoor games like Twister and Hula Hoops. For younger children, toys like Play-Doh, Lincoln Logs, and Tinkertoys were favorites.
Other popular Christmas toys and games of the 1960s included puzzles, such as the popular 3D jigsaw puzzles, and building sets like Erector Sets and American Flyer trains. Many children also received books as gifts, including popular series like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. With the rise of space exploration during this time, toys related to space, such as model rockets and astronaut action figures, were also popular.
What was Christmas music like in the 1960s?
Christmas music in the 1960s was a diverse and vibrant genre, with many popular artists releasing holiday albums. Some of the most iconic Christmas songs of the decade include “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi, “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney, and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams. Many popular artists, such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, also released Christmas albums during this time.
The 1960s also saw the rise of folk and rock music, which influenced the sound of Christmas music. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez released folk-inspired Christmas albums, while rock bands like The Beach Boys and The Beatles recorded holiday songs. The decade also saw the emergence of new Christmas classics, such as “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, which was released in 1969 and became a huge hit.
What were some popular Christmas movies and TV specials in the 1960s?
The 1960s were a golden age for Christmas movies and TV specials, with many beloved classics still enjoyed today. Some popular Christmas movies of the decade include “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966), and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964). These animated specials were produced by Rankin/Bass Productions and have become holiday staples.
Other popular Christmas TV specials of the 1960s include “A Christmas Carol” (1960), starring Basil Rathbone as Ebenezer Scrooge, and “The Little Drummer Boy” (1968), a stop-motion animated special based on the classic song. Many popular TV shows, such as “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” also aired Christmas-themed episodes during this time. These specials and movies helped to make the holiday season a magical time for families to come together and enjoy quality entertainment.
How did people decorate their homes for Christmas in the 1960s?
Home decorating for Christmas in the 1960s was a fun and creative activity for many families. Many people made their own decorations, such as paper snowflakes, popcorn garlands, and handmade ornaments. Others used store-bought decorations, such as aluminum Christmas trees, which were a popular trend during this time. These trees were often paired with a color wheel, which cast a rotating beam of light onto the tree, creating a psychedelic effect.
Other popular Christmas decorations of the 1960s included candles, wreaths, and stockings. Many families would hang stockings by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with small gifts and treats. Outdoor decorations, such as inflatables and lawn ornaments, were also becoming more popular during this time. Overall, Christmas decorating in the 1960s was a time for creativity and self-expression, with many people putting their own unique spin on traditional holiday decorations.
What were some popular Christmas foods and drinks in the 1960s?
Christmas foods and drinks in the 1960s were often traditional and comforting. Many families would gather together for a festive holiday meal, which might include dishes such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Other popular Christmas foods of the decade included sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and fruitcake. For beverages, many people enjoyed hot cocoa, eggnog, and coffee.
Some popular Christmas desserts of the 1960s included pies, such as pumpkin and apple, and cakes, such as Yule log and gingerbread. Many families also made their own holiday treats, such as fudge, peanut brittle, and toffee. With the rise of convenience foods during this time, many people also relied on store-bought holiday treats, such as TV dinners and frozen pies. Overall, Christmas foods and drinks in the 1960s were a time for indulgence and celebration.
How did people celebrate Christmas in the 1960s if they couldn’t afford gifts or decorations?
Despite the emphasis on consumerism during the 1960s, many people still found ways to celebrate Christmas without breaking the bank. Some families would make their own gifts, such as handmade crafts or baked goods, while others would focus on experiences, such as going on a winter outing or attending a holiday concert. Many communities also came together to provide for those in need, with organizations such as the Salvation Army and local churches offering holiday meals and gifts to those who couldn’t afford them.
Others would get creative with decorations, using natural materials like evergreen branches, holly, and pinecones to create a festive atmosphere. Some families would also focus on the true meaning of Christmas, such as attending church services or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Overall, Christmas in the 1960s was a time for resourcefulness and community, with many people finding ways to celebrate the holiday season despite financial constraints.