As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly and usher in the festive spirit. Every year we take out our Christmas decorations and put them up with care, adorning our homes with twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and other festive decor. But have you ever wondered how our ancestors celebrated Christmas? What did Christmas decorations of the 60s and 70s look like?
In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the vintage Christmas decorations of the 1960s and 70s. From traditional ornaments to retro outdoor decorations, we’ll discover what made these pieces so special and enduring.
What Are Old Christmas Ornaments Called?
If you’re a vintage lover, you might be curious about the proper terminology for old Christmas ornaments. While there is no specific term for old Christmas decorations, they are often referred to as antique, vintage, or retro ornaments. These terms are used interchangeably and denote pieces that date back several decades.
What Are the Original Christmas Decorations?
The concept of decorating homes during the festive season dates back to centuries. However, the earliest known Christmas decorations were created in the 16th century in Germany, where people made and hung wooden angels on their trees.
In the late 19th century, Christmas decorations started gaining popularity among households in the USA and Europe. Decorations like glass ornaments, tinsel garlands, and Christmas stockings became staples, and people started buying and hanging them year after year.
How Did People Decorate for Christmas in Old Days?
Christmas decorations from the 50s and 60s were quite different from what we see today. People used to decorate their homes with items made from natural materials like pine cones, holly, and mistletoe. They also used handmade decorations like paper chains and popcorn garlands.
The Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the decoration, and people used to adorn it with glass ornaments, tinsel, and other trinkets. Christmas stockings were also hung on the fireplace with care, waiting for Santa to fill them with goodies.
What Was Christmas Like in 60s?
The 60s was a time of great social change, and Christmas celebrations reflected the changing times. People started experimenting with new colors, designs, and materials for their decorations, and avant-garde pieces became popular.
Large bulb lights adorned outdoor trees and houses, and tinsel garlands were used to deck the halls. Glass ornaments, often pink, blue, and silver, adorned the Christmas tree, and aluminum trees also became popular.
Vintage Christmas Decorations 1950s
The 1950s marked a period of post-war prosperity and optimism, and Christmas decorations of that era epitomized the era’s upbeat mood. People used a lot of bright colors like turquoise, pink, and turquoise, and decorations were often over-the-top.
Tinsel was used extensively, and aluminum trees with color wheels were all the rage. Glass ornaments were also popular, and people used to hang them on doorways, windows, and mantels.
Vintage Christmas Decorations 1970s
The 1970s marked a time of experimentation with new materials and designs. People started using non-traditional materials like plastic, foam, and felt, giving rise to a new wave of decorations.
Bubble lights became popular in the 70s, and people used them to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Handmade crafts like macrame, crochet, and needlework also became popular, and people used them to make unique decorations for their homes.
Vintage Outdoor Christmas Decorations 1960s
Outdoor Christmas decorations in the 60s were often flashy and colorful, designed to grab people’s attention. Large bulb lights were used to decorate outdoor trees and houses, and some people used them to spell out Christmas greetings on their lawns.
Blow molds were also popular in the 60s, and people used them to create life-sized figures of Santa Claus, snowmen, and other festive characters. These pieces were made of molded plastic and were often illuminated from the inside, creating an eye-catching display.
Vintage Christmas Decorations 1980s
The 1980s marked a return to traditional Christmas decorations, with people reverting to glass ornaments and tinsel garlands. However, there was still a nod to the 70s with the introduction of plush ornaments and figurines.
Houses were often decorated with wreaths and greenery, and people used bows and ribbons to add a festive touch. Bubble lights continued to be popular, and some people used to hang novelty items like disco balls or mini boomboxes on their trees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vintage Christmas decorations from the 60s and 70s were marked by experimentation with new materials and designs. People used bright colors, non-traditional materials, and avant-garde designs to create unique decorations for their homes. However, there was still a reverence for traditional pieces like glass ornaments, tinsel garlands, and wreaths.
By exploring vintage Christmas decorations, we can not only gain insight into our ancestors’ lives but also appreciate the timeless beauty of these pieces. So, this holiday season, dust off your vintage decorations, and celebrate Christmas in true retro style!