7 Holiday Traditions from the 70s We Still Cherish: Blast from the Past
Holiday traditions from the 1970s bring a special kind of nostalgia and warmth to the festive season.
Many of these customs, like singing Christmas carols and enjoying classic holiday albums, still find a place in our celebrations today. You often find that these activities connect different generations, making the holiday spirit even stronger.
Reflecting on the 70s, you’ll notice the charm and simplicity of those times shining through in the traditions we hold dear. Whether it’s creating lasting memories with family or experiencing the joy of old-fashioned festivities, these traditions have a way of bringing people together.
1) Family Gatherings
Family gatherings were a big part of the holidays in the 70s.
You’d find yourself surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
These gatherings were often hosted at a family member’s home, filled with laughter, stories, and a whole lot of food.
You can probably remember the smell of a roasting turkey or ham filling the house.
The table would be packed with classic holiday dishes.
Everyone had their favorite recipe, and you’d always find yourself eating way more than you planned.
Games were another highlight.
Board games like Monopoly or Scrabble would be pulled out, and friendly (or not so friendly) competitions would begin.
Sometimes, you might find a group playing cards or even doing a holiday-themed puzzle together.
There was always lots of talking and catching up.
This was when you’d hear old family stories and learn about past generations.
These moments created bonds and shared memories, making everyone feel close.
Holiday music filled the background, whether it was records or the radio.
Classics from Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole played while you mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.
These gatherings were all about connecting with loved ones and enjoying each other’s presence during the festive season.
2) Home-Cooked Meals
In the 70s, home-cooked meals were a big deal.
Families would gather around the dinner table every night.
There were no smartphones or tablets to distract anyone.
It was a time for everyone to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
Dishes like meatloaf, casseroles, and tuna noodle salad were very popular.
You could always find a jello mold on the table during special occasions.
Fondue parties were a hit too.
Dipping bread and fruit into melted cheese was a fun activity for everyone.
Sunday dinners often featured pot roast with all the fixings.
You would have mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies.
The aroma would fill the house, making everyone hungry.
Making homemade bread was also common.
The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven made the kitchen feel warm and cozy.
Baking cookies, pies, and cakes was a family activity that brought everyone together.
You might remember your mom making a Watergate Salad.
It was a mix of pistachio pudding, pineapple, and marshmallows.
These meals weren’t just about the food; they were about being together.
You can still bring back those memories by cooking some of these classic dishes today.
3) Bell Bottoms and Platform Shoes
Bell bottoms flared out from the knees, creating a dramatic silhouette.
They were a fashion staple in the 1970s, part of the groovy style of the era.
You could find bell bottoms in various fabrics like denim, corduroy, and even satin.
Platform shoes were another iconic trend from the same era.
These shoes had thick soles and sometimes reached extreme heights.
Both men and women wore them, making a bold fashion statement.
They were often associated with disco culture and nightclubs.
Bell bottoms and platform shoes often went hand in hand.
Many people paired their flared pants with high-soled shoes to complete the look.
These items weren’t just about appearance; they reflected the vibrant and expressive spirit of the 70s.
4) Vinyl Records on the Turntable
Back in the ’70s, the turntable was the heart of any holiday party.
You’d gather around with family and friends, listening to the crackling sound of vinyl records.
Classic Christmas albums like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or Elvis Presley’s “Elvis’ Christmas Album” would fill the room with festive spirit.
Setting up the turntable was almost a ritual.
You’d carefully place the vinyl on the platter, drop the needle, and let the music play.
It was more than just listening to songs; it was about the experience.
Even today, many of you might dig out those old vinyl records during the holidays.
The warm, rich sound of vinyl is hard to beat.
You probably remember the thrill of flipping through a stack of records, picking out the perfect one for the occasion.
Each album cover was like a piece of art, making the whole process even more enjoyable.
During the holidays, those records would spin non-stop, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.
And let’s not forget about the turntables themselves.
Brands like Thorens and Dual made some of the best ones.
These machines were built to last, often passed down from generation to generation.
So, when you dust off that old turntable and play your favorite holiday records, you’re not just enjoying music—you’re reliving a cherished tradition.
5) Disco Dance Parties
You’ve probably heard the word “disco” and instantly thought of glittering disco balls, flashy lights, and groovy beats.
In the 1970s, disco dance parties were a huge hit.
These parties featured music from famous disco artists like ABBA, Donna Summer, and The Village People.
Disco dance parties were all about the atmosphere.
Think strobe lights, neon lights, and maybe even a fog machine.
People decorated their homes to look like mini dance clubs.
And of course, no disco party was complete without a massive dance floor where everyone could show off their moves.
The clothing was just as important as the music.
Sequins, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes were all the rage.
You’d see people wearing bold and colorful outfits that shimmered under the party lights.
The overall vibe was fun, carefree, and a bit glamorous.
Hosting your own disco dance party today can be a great way to relive those groovy times.
Decorate your space with vintage pieces and invest in some great lighting.
Make sure to create a playlist filled with classic disco hits.
Everyone can dress up and dance the night away just like they did in the 70s.
6) Polaroid Pictures
During the 1970s, capturing moments instantly with Polaroid cameras was a beloved pastime.
You took a picture, and within minutes, you had a physical photo in your hands.
This brought a new level of excitement to family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Polaroid pictures were a big hit at Christmas and other holiday events.
You didn’t have to wait for film to develop, which meant you could see and share your memories right away.
Whether it was capturing the kids opening presents or the family gathered around the dinner table, Polaroids provided instant joy.
The unique, square photos with their white borders soon found their way into photo albums and on refrigerators.
They held a certain charm that traditional photos couldn’t match.
The slightly warm color tones and the vintage feel made these pictures special.
Polaroids weren’t just for casual snaps, though.
Famous photographers and artists also embraced them.
Icons like Andy Warhol used Polaroid pictures in their creative work.
These instant photos captured the defining moments of an era.
Even now, Polaroid pictures bring a nostalgic feel to our holiday traditions.
You might still spot one or two around your home as a reminder of those simpler times.
7) Handwritten Letters
In the ’70s, handwritten letters were a common way to stay in touch, especially during the holidays.
Sending a card or letter showed you cared and took the time to make it special.
You probably remember mailing letters to family and friends, sharing your year’s highlights and heartfelt wishes for the new year.
This tradition brought a personal touch that emails and texts just can’t match.
Writing letters allowed you to use your favorite stationery, maybe even scented, and a nice pen.
You’d carefully write out each word, making sure it was perfect before sealing the envelope.
Receiving a handwritten letter was as exciting as sending one.
Finding a letter in your mailbox made your day, and you could read and reread the loving messages whenever you wanted.
Handwritten letters capture the essence of meaningful communication from a simpler time.
It’s a tradition that reminds us of the personal, tangible connections we had before digital messages took over.
Origins of the Traditions
Many of the traditions from the 1970s have roots that go back even further.
Christmas Trees: Decorated trees have been popular for centuries.
They date back to Germany in the Middle Ages.
German settlers brought them to America in the 19th century, and they really took off in the 1960s and 1970s.
Ugly Sweaters: Wearing ugly sweaters became trendy in the 1980s.
Families and friends started having ugly sweater parties, making this quirky tradition a staple during the holidays.
Christmas Carols: People have sung carols for hundreds of years.
The 1970s saw a revival with new pop versions of older songs, which brought fresh life into this joyful practice.
Family Pajama Parties: The idea of wearing matching pajamas started gaining popularity in the 1960s, and it became a fun way for families to spend Christmas Eve together.
Wearing matching pajamas continues to be a cozy, cherished tradition.
Holiday TV Specials: Many iconic holiday TV specials, like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from the 1960s, set the stage.
By the 1970s, these specials became yearly must-watch events.
Gift Exchanges: The tradition of exchanging gifts has been part of Christmas for a long time.
Secret Santa and White Elephant exchanges became popular in the 1970s, adding a fun twist to the giving season.
Christmas Lights: Electric Christmas lights became popular in American homes in the 1920s.
By the 1970s, decorating homes with lights, both inside and outside, had become a big holiday trend.
Each of these traditions has its own unique background, yet all contribute to the festive spirit we love today.
Iconic Decorations
The 1970s brought a unique mix of bold styles and traditional holiday decor.
This era saw tinsel and garlands shimmer brightly in homes and retro ornaments adding a touch of nostalgia to Christmas trees.
Tinsel and Garlands
In the 70s, tinsel was a staple in holiday decorating.
Long strands of shiny, metallic tinsel draped over trees, reflecting the lights and adding extra sparkle.
Colorful garlands were another popular choice.
You’d often find them strung around the house, on mantels, and wrapped around banisters.
Popular colors included bright reds, greens, and golds.
Sometimes, garlands featured miniature ornaments or bells to add an extra festive touch.
Besides tinsel and colorful garlands, people also used popcorn and cranberry strings.
This DIY approach added a homemade and personal feel to holiday decor.
Retro Ornaments
Vintage glass baubles were a cherished decoration during the 70s.
These ornaments often came in bold colors and featured intricate patterns.
Many had a reflective finish that caught the glow of the Christmas lights beautifully.
Another popular ornament type was the handmade felt decorations.
These often included cute shapes like snowmen, Santas, and reindeer.
Handmade ornaments gave a cozy and warm touch to the tree.
Electric bubble lights were another unique feature.
These lights had a liquid inside that bubbled when heated by the bulb, adding motion and light to the tree.
Decorating with these retro ornaments often brought a sense of nostalgia and family tradition, making the holidays feel even more special.
Family Gatherings and Festivities
Family gatherings during the holiday season in the 1970s were filled with warmth, laughter, and various traditions that brought everyone together.
Food, games, and activities were central to these cherished moments.
Classic Holiday Meals
In the 1970s, families would often gather around tables filled with traditional holiday dishes. Roast turkey or ham was typically the centerpiece.
These main dishes were accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy, and a variety of veggies like green beans and corn.
Stuffing and cranberry sauce were staple side dishes that added flavor and festivity.
For dessert, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and Christmas cookies were often served.
Special drinks like eggnog and hot cocoa were popular, especially for the kids.
Preparing these meals together became a bonding activity, with family members contributing their own special recipes.
Traditional Games and Activities
Holiday gatherings also featured plenty of games and activities to keep everyone entertained. Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue were favorites and provided hours of fun.
Charades and Pictionary were great for large groups, creating many laughs and memorable moments. Puzzle-building sessions were another way families spent time together, working as a team to complete intricate designs.
Outdoor activities were popular as well, depending on the weather.
If it snowed, you might find everyone outside for snowball fights, building snowmen, or even sledding down the nearest hill.
Indoors or out, these activities fostered a sense of togetherness and joy.