A surprising early snowfall in November was all the inspiration I needed to transition from pumpkins and Thanksgiving decor to full-on Christmas cheer. And not just any Christmas—I’m diving headfirst into the festive spirit of the 1980s. For me, that’s where the true holiday magic lies.
As a self-proclaimed Christmas enthusiast, I eagerly await the return of peppermint mochas and eggnog lattes at my local café. The moment Halloween candy hits the clearance rack, I’m ready to fill my cart with ornaments, chocolate Santas, and festive wrapping supplies. Growing up in the ’80s, I have cherished memories and traditions that I now share with my family of six. While I adore this season, I steer clear of modern trends. No Elf on the Shelf or daily book unwrapping here—we embrace Christmas the way it was meant to be celebrated in the ’80s. Want to join the fun? Here’s how we do it:
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Classic Holiday Movies
During the months of November and December, my kids know the drill: we only watch a select few films—Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Elf are on repeat. We snuggle up on the couch, popcorn in hand, ready to quote our favorite lines. My son often tells strangers, “You’re so pretty! You should be on a Christmas card!” If you don’t recognize the reference, this conversation is officially over. -
Tree Decorating Together
Our Christmas tree is a delightful mix of ornaments, including some from when my husband and I were kids. Forget about color coordination; our decorations include handcrafted items from the kids, a bouquet of Black Santas and angels, and even a nostalgic star on top. I refuse to make it Instagram-perfect—this is a home, not a showroom. We also add on some vintage touches like tinsel and colorful lights. -
Baking Cookies
Yes, it can be chaotic and time-consuming, but baking and decorating cookies is a holiday must. The kids love going overboard with sprinkles and icing, resulting in more mess than masterpieces. The joy is in the process, and we always listen to holiday music while we create. Afterward, we box up our creations and share them with friends and family. -
Christmas Tunes on Repeat
A few years back, I snagged a collection of classic Christmas songs for under six bucks, which now complements our extensive playlist. We enjoy these timeless tracks from November 1 through the new year, mixing in a few modern hits. Old favorites from Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby never get old and are always on rotation. -
Gift Wrapping Extravaganza
When it comes to wrapping gifts, I’m all in. I bring out the wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, and tags, eschewing gift bags completely. There’s something satisfying about a pile of mismatched presents under the tree. I even embrace tacky wrapping paper, channeling my grandma’s old-school style of using Sunday comics for wrapping. -
Sending Out Holiday Cards
Yes, we still send physical Christmas cards! I believe in the charm of a handwritten note, complete with a family photo. We decorate each envelope with festive stickers and beautiful stamps. When cards arrive in the mail, my kids eagerly compete to open them first—it’s a delightful tradition. -
Visiting Santa at the Mall
Every year, my kids can’t wait to visit Santa. The excitement of standing in line and finally sharing their Christmas wishes embodies the holiday spirit. The old-school charm of Santa on his velvet throne, complete with candy canes, is a must-have experience. We even browse toy catalogs together—a tradition that brings joy to the season.
I know some might think I’m overdoing it, but making time for these nostalgic traditions brings me immense joy. There’s something so comforting about sipping Swiss Miss cocoa and soaking in the glow of our Christmas lights. I’m unabashedly in love with this season, and I’m not afraid to show it.
For more festive ideas and holiday tips, check out this related post on how to make the most of your holiday season at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in more specialized advice, Intracervical Insemination is a great authority on the topic, and for additional resources on pregnancy, the CDC is an excellent place to start.
Summary
The holiday season can be a magical time, especially when infused with the nostalgic charm of the 1980s. From watching classic films and decorating the tree with mismatched ornaments to baking cookies and sending out handwritten cards, these traditions foster family togetherness and joy. Embracing the spirit of the season through these retro activities not only creates lasting memories but also keeps the Christmas spirit alive in a fun way.