Peterson Sorenson
Let’s take a trip back to the 1970s when Christmas sparkled with bold decor, heartfelt traditions, and a sprinkle of pure magic. Homes glowed with tinsel trees, bubble lights bubbled with joy, and Sears catalogs turned wishes into adventures. Discover how the decade gave Christmas its unforgettable glow-up—one festive memory at a time.
Tinsel Trees Brought Futuristic Festivity
Shimmering tinsel trees defined the ’70s Christmas decor. These metallic beauties reflected the decade’s love for innovation, available in silver, gold, and even pastel colors. No water or cleanup is required—just plug in a color wheel light and watch the glow transform your living room.
Bubble Lights Added Magical Movement
Bubble lights brought trees to life with their warm glow and mesmerizing movement. Each light contained a liquid-filled tube that bubbled when heated and resembled tiny lava lamps. Introduced in the 40s, they surged in popularity during the 70s and became family favorites for their charm.
The Sears Wish Book Was Every Kid’s Dream
Holiday magic began with the arrival of the Sears Wish Book. Kids spent hours circling toys, from Hot Wheels to Easy-Bake Ovens. First published in 1933, the catalog peaked in the 70s, which sparked excitement and made Christmas shopping an adventure.
The Yule Log Broadcast Made Fireplaces Optional
New York’s WPIX-TV introduced the Yule log broadcast in 1966, but its popularity soared in the 70s. The looped video of a crackling fireplace paired with Christmas carols brought cozy vibes to homes without fireplaces. It was a low-tech idea that warmed hearts everywhere.
Polaroid Cameras Made Moments Instant
Before the era of smartphones, Polaroid cameras brought the magic of instant photography to life. In the 70s, these cameras were popular for taking photos quickly and watching them develop. Holiday gatherings felt extra special when families captured candid moments by the Christmas tree or during gift exchanges.
Molded Lawn Decorations Lit Up the Nights
These brightly colored, illuminated plastic figures adorned suburban lawns, creating holiday wonderlands. Santa, snowmen, and reindeer molded decorations lit up neighborhoods across America. These brightly colored, illuminated plastic figures lit up suburban lawns, creating holiday wonderlands. Santa, snowmen, and reindeer molded decorations lit up neighborhoods across America.
Vinyl Christmas Records Kept Spirits Bright
Albums like Elvis’ Christmas Album and Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas spun on record players all season long. The unmistakable crackle of vinyl added warmth to timeless classics. Holiday hits kept the atmosphere lively, with families singing along during decorating marathons and festive dinners.
Crocheted Stockings Became Handmade Keepsakes
Handmade stockings stitched with love were all the rage in the 70s. Parents and grandparents used colorful yarn to crochet unique stockings for each family member. These cozy creations didn’t just hold gifts—they held memories, often passed down through generations as family treasures.
Popcorn Garlands Made Decorating Delicious
Families got crafty by stringing popcorn garlands for their trees. This simple DIY project combined creativity and fun, perfect for kids and adults alike. Many mixed in cranberries for a rustic pop of color. Plus, who could resist sneaking a few bites during the process?
Animated Store Windows Became Holiday Shows
Department stores converted shopping trips into spectacles with animated Christmas window displays. Where the figures of Santa, elves, and snowy scenes enchanted passersby. Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue created legendary windows, which drew families from miles away to witness the holiday magic firsthand.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Created Memories
Hallmark revolutionized holiday decorating by launching Keepsake Ornaments in 1973. Each year introduced new designs, from trains to festive angels, encouraging families to collect and celebrate milestones. The ornaments made decorating a cherished family tradition with memories tied to every piece.
Bright C9 Bulbs Made Houses Shine
Bigger was better when it came to ’70s outdoor lights. C9 bulbs—those oversized, colorful Christmas lights—lit up homes and trees with bold brilliance. Their vibrant glow made streets sparkle, and neighborhoods felt more festive than ever, with friendly competition for the brightest display.
Gingerbread Houses Turned Baking Into Art
Gingerbread houses weren’t just desserts—they were edible masterpieces. Families spent hours baking, assembling, and decorating these sugary creations with icing and candy. The 70s embraced this tradition, which turned kitchens into creative workshops and the final product into a centerpiece of holiday gatherings.
Advent Calendars Made the Countdown Sweet
Chocolate-filled Advent calendars became a delightful way to count down to Christmas. Kids eagerly opened each numbered window to reveal a small treat for every day of December. The anticipation grew with each bite-sized piece that reimagined the days leading up to Christmas as a mini-celebration.
Holiday TV Specials Brought Families Together
Christmas TV was can’t-miss entertainment in the 70s. The classic Christmas specials Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas became beloved traditions. With no streaming, families gathered at exact times to watch these classics to make shared moments even more magical.
Flocked Trees Made Snow Possible Indoors
Artificial snow-covered trees, or flocked trees, gave Christmas an enchanting winter vibe. Coated in fluffy white material, they looked freshly dusted with snow. Flocked trees became a ’70s favorite, paired with silver and blue ornaments for a cool, magical effect.
Candy Canes Doubled as Decorations and Treats
Candy canes became Christmas tree staples, which blended sweet treats with decor. Striped red-and-white designs looked festive, dangling from branches. By the end of the season, kids were plucking candy canes off trees and munching them long after the last gift was unwrapped.
Board Games Spun Evenings Into Family Fun
The 70s revived board games as a holiday tradition. Games like Monopoly, Life, and Sorry! Brought families together for hours of fun after presents were unwrapped. It wasn’t about winning; it was about laughter, bonding, and making the season feel even more special.
Satin Ball Ornaments Added a Soft Glow
Trees in the 70s often featured satin-threaded ball ornaments, their delicate texture adding a unique shimmer. Available in bold shades like gold and ruby red, they stood out beautifully. These ornaments became symbols of elegance, showcasing the decade’s flair for festive style.
Christmas Parades Started Off the Season
Local parades filled with marching bands, floats, and costumed Santas announced the start of the holidays. Watching these lively celebrations bundled up in coats and scarves was a highlight for many families. They marked the moment Christmas magic came to life.
