A nostalgic look back at what a 1970s Christmas was like in America
We’re taking a peek at what Christmas decor, food, celebrations and other delights were like during this bold era of the 20th century through a warm and wonderful collection of magazine photos and videos — each telling its own story of the 1970s holiday experience.
From iconic fashion and Christmas decoration trends to timeless heartwarming family traditions, these visual treasures provide a window into the festive celebrations of a time that remains fascinating and inspiring to both the generations that lived it, as well as all those that followed.
While many of these foods and decor and other ways to celebrate weren’t exclusive to the seventies, if you were around during the disco decade, you’re sure to see a few things that spark memories.
Retro white flocked Christmas trees (70s)
Crafty tabletop Christmas tree decor
Under-the-tree skirts with holiday appliques (1970s)
White faux Christmas trees with bird ornaments
70s Needlepoint Christmas tree wall decor
Needlepoint Santa Claus (1973)
Vintage gingham cloth wreath
Popular Christmas Decorations of the 1970s
Tinsel and foil decorations — used liberally for a shimmering effect.
Handmade ornaments, especially those featuring sequins and beads (1969)
NOMA fiber optic lights Christmas Tree decorations
Nativity scenes (crèche) made of paper tubes and wool yarn
Wreath window stickers and sparkling beaded decorations
Homemade Christmas stockings – 1970s Christmas decor
Front door decorations that went the extra mile
Midcentury modern Christmas trees from the 70s
Outdoor Christmas wall hanging signs (1974)
Hallmark holiday paper tablesettings (1970s)
Vintage 70s paper snowflakes
1970s Christmas decorations – Cute retro snow globe
Yarn craft ornaments as 1970s Christmas decor
Classic crocheted ornaments from the 70s
Cute salt dough ornaments from the 1970s
Christmas decorations made from tissue boxes (1970s)
Decorative holiday towers 1970s Christmas decor
Vintage holiday home decor – clutch ball pillow
Fancy egg ornaments from the 1970s
Popcorn and cranberry tree garlands
Classic 70s paper chains for the holidays
Decorative festive candleholders (1970)
Retro Christmas tree wall banner from the 70s
1970s Crepe paper balls hanging decor
Young Brooke Shields in a fancy girl’s Christmas dress in 1974
3 Girls in retro Christmas dresses (1971)
Kodak photo custom Christmas cards (70s)
Spode Christmas Tree plates and dinnerware (1976)
‘All in the Family Christmas’ special episode from 1978
Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas TV special with David Bowie, when they sang “Drummer Boy” (1977)
Christmas cheese recipe from Ebony magazine (1970)
L’eggs eggs in gold, silver, red, blue, green for Christmas (1970s)
When The Nutcracker ballet was news in 1976
Vintage 70s Christmas tree with salt dough ornaments
Popular Christmas food and recipes of the 1970s
Fondue sets made great Christmas gifts
Crown roast – a circle of pork ribs
Jell-O molds
Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)
Colorful candy served from a glass candy dish
Eggnog
Cheese balls, served with crackers as an appetizer
Christmas cookies
Fruitcake… the forever dessert
Popcorn balls (& other shapes)
Popular Christmas Music of the 1970s
“Merry Xmas Everybody” by Slade (1973)
“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” by Wizzard (1973)
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1971)
“Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney (1979)
“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970)
Christmas albums by The Carpenters
“Step into Christmas” by Elton John (1973)
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms (re-released versions)
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen (Live version, 1975)
The Brady Bunch Frosty the Snowman & Silver Bells Christmas single (1970)
Popular movies and TV specials of the 1970s
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Re-runs)
“Frosty the Snowman” (1969, popular throughout the 70s)
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Re-runs)
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970)
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)
“Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” (1977)
“The Little Drummer Boy” (Re-runs)
“Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” (1976)
“Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” (1977)
“The Star Wars Holiday Special” (1978)
Some popular toys and toy brands of the 1970s
- Star Wars action figures: Following the movie’s release.
- Hot Wheels: Still a favorite among children.
- Barbie dolls: Continued popularity with new versions.
- Nerf Balls: Soft and safe for indoor play.
- LEGO sets: More complex and theme-based sets emerging.
- Matchbox Cars: Continued to be a hit.
- Fisher-Price Little People: Long a favorite
- Stretch Armstrong
1970s Christmas toys
Looking for more? Here are some other ways Americans celebrated the Christmas holiday back in the 70s.
One Response
I remember most of these, but the ornaments made from L’eggs eggs really stand out for me. L’eggs eggs were new at the time, and people used the plastic eggs for all kinds of crafts, including Christmas ornaments (a good form of recycling, I guess). Every holiday craft fair and church bazaar had dozens of them for sale… and I’m sure there are still plenty hiding in attics and basements.