Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the holidays of yesteryear? The carefree days of the 1970s, when you were a child, unfettered by rules and restrictions? Back then, your mother wasn’t the helicopter type—perhaps because the term hadn’t yet been coined—and your celebrations were filled with joy and warmth.
You didn’t need to concern yourself with gratitude trees or family service projects; instead, you were fully immersed in family fun, roasting chestnuts, baking gingerbread cookies (which was simply called “baking”), and belting out Christmas tunes with your favorite tipsy uncle. It was enchanting, wasn’t it?
No? You don’t recall those idyllic moments? Neither do I.
While I cherish my childhood and the joy of the holiday season, the current trend to resurrect the 1970s needs to stop. I’m quite content with the present and have no desire to revert to the past. Sure, I have fond memories of festive cookies and gifts under the tree, but I genuinely believe we’ve made significant strides since then. Let’s take a look at some less-than-glamorous aspects of those nostalgic holidays:
Painful Pink Curlers:
Every Christmas Eve, my mom would wash my hair and spend an eternity rolling it into pink foam curlers, which felt more like a medieval torture device than a beauty aid. The tight curlers would leave me in a foul mood, tossing and turning all night. Sound familiar? Good news—you can still buy those “magic curlers” on eBay for just $1.84. For less than a cup of coffee, you too can relive the discomfort of beauty rituals gone awry.
Unironic Matching Christmas Sweaters:
There’s a reason why Saturday Night Live parodies holiday sweaters annually—it’s not out of nostalgia. Year after year, we donned cringe-worthy matching sweaters, stood on the stairs for the classic holiday photo, and smiled through the awkwardness. Remember that? It’s just like today, but with an Instagram filter called “1977.”
Scratchy Plaid:
Not just any plaid, mind you. The wool plaid of the 1970s was hot, heavy, and utterly uncomfortable. Who needs cozy when you can wear something that feels like a woolen prison? Thank goodness for modern fabric options!
Missed Opportunities:
Ah, the pain of the pre-DVR era. In the ’70s, if you wanted to catch Rudolph or Frosty, you had to consult the newspaper and be glued to the TV at the right time—no breaks, no rewinds. If you missed it, you were simply out of luck.
Overcooked Veggies:
Before the days of influencers and culinary blogs, holiday meals often featured a mishmash of frozen vegetables drowning in heavy cream. Was that really “green”? Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer my veggies roasted with a touch of olive oil and sea salt—far less nauseating.
The Smoky Air of Family Gatherings:
Remember when smoking around children was nothing to bat an eye at? Not for me! I’m grateful I didn’t grow up in a smoking household. The memories of family gatherings filled with chain smokers and the stale scent that lingered are best left behind.
The Fruitcake Era:
Let’s be honest—fruitcake was never a good idea.
I treasure my memories of the holidays, from Grandpa singing Frank Sinatra on the karaoke machine to the endless stories from my dad with my mom gently correcting him. I love flipping through old photos of my siblings and me in our nightgowns and those dreaded curlers by the fireplace. But I also appreciate today’s celebrations. I enjoy smoke-free holidays and delectable pumpkin cheesecake. I love toasting marshmallows by the fire and listening to my husband strum Christmas melodies on his guitar. The holiday spirit transcends decades.
Hold onto your fond memories and share them with your children, but don’t forget to embrace the present—you might just be in the midst of creating your children’s favorite holiday memories. For more insights on modern parenting, check out resources like this excellent guide on female infertility and learn about embracing new beginnings. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, head over to this informative article on at-home kits.
Summary:
In reflecting on the holiday season, while the nostalgia for the 1970s may be strong, it’s essential to recognize the many advancements we’ve made. From uncomfortable traditions to outdated practices, it’s clear that today’s celebrations can be just as joyful, if not more so. So let’s cherish the past but embrace the present, creating new memories with our families.