One of the most endearing parts of the Christmas holiday is the memories we have of our childhood or family through the years. For The Christmas Gals, most of our childhood was centered around the 1980’s.
We were the Cabbage Patch Kid, Rubik’s Cube and electric synthesizer generation (yes, all of those were some of our favorite Christmas gifts).
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and highlight some of our favorite parts of Christmas in the 80’s, and what makes the 80’s so significant to Christmas today.
THE CATALOG
No internet, no problem. Holiday in the 80’s officially kicked off when the Sears or JCPenney’s Holiday catalogs arrived in the mail.
Admittedly, Sears had been producing a Christmas catalog since 1933, but it was the 1980’s when commercialism and inexpensive printing that allowed this catalog to spread millions of households. Later called The Wish Book, kids across the nation would circle, mark off and write copious notes through the pages of the catalog to ensure Santa or Grandma and Grandpa knew their Christmas list.
JCPenney, Montgomery Ward, Toy R Us rivaled The Wish Book in the 80’s with their own versions of the Christmas catalog,
In the 1990’s, Christmas catalogs suspended printing as other discount retailers like Target and Walmart took the helm as the top sellers of toys during the holidays.
Take a walk down memory lane…..CLICK HERE to view all 670 pages of the 1980 Sears Christmas Book.
THE GIFTS
Ah, the 1980s – a decade that ushered in a wave of pop culture, innovative technology and memorable fashion trends. Let’s unwrap some of the most iconic Christmas gifts of the 1980s that left a lasting mark on our hearts.
The Walkman
In the early 1980s, Sony revolutionized the way we experienced music with the introduction of the Walkman. This portable cassette player allowed people to carry their favorite tunes with them, whether they were strolling down the street or lounging in their rooms. It quickly became a must-have Christmas gift, and the sight of people wearing bulky headphones while enjoying their music on the go became a defining image of the decade.
Cabbage Patch Kids
The Cabbage Patch Kids craze hit its peak during the mid-1980s. These adorable dolls, each with a unique name and adoption papers, captured the hearts of children and collectors alike. Finding a Cabbage Patch Kid under the Christmas tree was a dream come true for many youngsters, and parents braved long lines and crowded stores to ensure their children received this cherished gift.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Christmas of 1985 witnessed a gaming revolution with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System. This 8-bit console introduced the world to beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, and Link in games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. Families and friends gathered around the television, mastering the intricacies of the game controllers and bonding over their shared love for these digital adventures.
Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube, a brain-teasing puzzle, became an overnight sensation when it hit the international market in the early 1980s. As Christmas approached, everyone wanted to get their hands on this colorful cube and attempt to solve its enigmatic twists and turns. The Rubik’s Cube became a symbol of the decade’s fascination with logic puzzles and challenges.
Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin, the storytelling bear, enchanted children during the late 1980s. With his moving mouth and expressive eyes, Teddy Ruxpin mesmerized kids as he narrated captivating tales. This interactive plush toy was a favorite Christmas gift, making bedtime stories all the more magical.
Transformers
The ’80s were all about transforming toys, and none were more iconic than the Transformers. These action figures could morph from vehicles into robots and back again, sparking imaginative play among kids of all ages. Optimus Prime, Megatron, and their Autobot and Decepticon companions were popular Christmas gifts, leading to epic battles in living rooms across the world.
My Little Pony
For many young girls, Christmas in the 1980s was incomplete without the gift of a My Little Pony. These charming, colorful ponies with their unique names and cutie marks brought joy and friendship into the hearts of countless children. Many still hold these cherished toys close to their hearts today.
THE DÉCOR
A time of big hair, neon colors and unique fashion choices, the spirit of Christmas during the ’80s was just as exuberant and distinctive as the decade itself. Some décor trends truly defined Christmas in the 1980s.
Neon Lights and Lively Colors
The 1980s were all about embracing bright and bold colors. When it came to Christmas decorating, traditional red and green took a backseat, and neon hues like hot pink, electric blue, and vibrant purple took center stage. Families would adorn their Christmas trees with colorful lights and funky ornaments, often in geometric shapes, adding a unique and lively touch to their homes.
Christmas lights in the 80’s began to take on unique shapes and characters. From Santa or goose covers for your string light, to the iconic ‘tulip’ lights that served as an evolution to the early reflectors.
Tinsel Galore
Tinsel was the epitome of ’80s Christmas decoration. You could find it everywhere – on the tree, wreaths, garlands and even as an embellishment for gift wrapping. Tinsel was a symbol of festive extravagance, and it had a magical way of reflecting light, making the holiday decor sparkle even more.
Pop Culture Ornaments
The 1980s was a decade of pop culture phenomena, and these influences made their way into Christmas decor as well. Families began incorporating ornaments and decorations based on popular characters from movies, cartoons and TV shows. You could find Christmas trees adorned with ornaments featuring characters like Pac-Man, E.T., My Little Pony, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Advent Calendars and Countdowns
Advent calendars became increasingly popular during the 1980s. These calendars featured tiny numbered doors, each hiding a surprise inside. Children loved opening a door each day leading up to Christmas, eagerly anticipating the treats or small trinkets that awaited them. Advent countdowns became a delightful way to build excitement and create a sense of anticipation for the big day.
The Iconic Christmas Sweater
The ’80s witnessed the rise of the iconic Christmas sweater. These sweaters were often adorned with bold, cheerful, and sometimes cheesy holiday-themed patterns. While they might have been a fashion faux pas back then, today, they are celebrated for their nostalgic charm and are even worn proudly as ugly Christmas sweaters during holiday parties.
So, as you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, consider infusing your decorations with a touch of ’80s flair, and embrace the spirit of nostalgia that these trends bring. After all, Christmas is not just about the presents under the tree but also about the cherished memories we create with our loved ones. Happy holidays!
