5 Christmas Decorations Everyone Had in the 70s

Ah, the 1970s—a decade that brought us bell-bottoms, disco balls, and some truly unforgettable Christmas decorations. If you were lucky enough to experience the holiday season back then, you probably remember the unique charm of those decorations that made your home feel extra special. So, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane to revisit five Christmas decorations that were practically staples in every home during that fabulous time.

1. The Aluminum Christmas Tree

Photo by Nikita Ivanov

First up, we can’t talk about the ’70s without mentioning the iconic aluminum Christmas tree. These shiny, metallic beauties were all the rage, with their branches glistening under the twinkling lights. You’d often find them adorned with a color wheel that rotated through hues of red, green, and blue, casting an otherworldly glow throughout the room. It was like having a disco party in your living room, and who wouldn’t want that?

But let’s be real: while they looked stunning in all their shiny glory, they were a bit of a nightmare to decorate. Ornaments just didn’t seem to stick, and you might end up with a collection of ornaments that looked a bit forlorn hanging from those metallic branches. Still, it was all about the style, right?

2. Homemade Ornaments

Next on our list are those charming homemade ornaments that were a staple of every crafty kid’s holiday season. Whether it was salt dough, macaroni, or that lumpy, glitter-covered creation you’d made in art class, these ornaments had a certain magic that store-bought decorations just couldn’t replicate. They were often a mishmash of colors and textures, proudly hung up by parents who appreciated the sentiment rather than the aesthetics.

Every ornament told a story. Remember that one your cousin made that looked more like a potato than a snowman? Or the glittery star that kept shedding sparkles everywhere? It’s those quirky creations that add personality and warmth to the holiday season, reminding us of the love and creativity that went into each handmade piece.

3. The Nativity Scene

You could always count on a nativity scene to show up in most homes during the ’70s. These displays ranged from the simple to the elaborate, with families proudly showcasing their cherished sets. Some were handcrafted, while others were beautifully painted porcelain figures—each one capturing the spirit of the season in its own unique way. It was common to see a little baby Jesus nestled in a manger, surrounded by shepherds, wise men, and an assortment of animals.

What’s more, the nativity scene was often a conversation starter. You could hear the adults discussing the significance of each figure while the kids were busy pointing out which one looked the most like a cow. If you ask me, there’s something heartwarming about gathering around a nativity scene, reflecting on its meaning and sharing stories from past Christmases.

4. Tinsel Galore

If your family was anything like mine, tinsel was practically a decorating requirement. Those shiny strands would be draped over the tree like a shimmering waterfall, and the more, the merrier! You’d spend what felt like hours meticulously placing each strand, only to have them fall off or get tangled in the process. But when it all came together? Pure magic.

Of course, there was always that one family member who insisted on draping it just right, as if they were some sort of tinsel artist. And let’s not forget the joy of vacuuming up stray tinsel for weeks after the holidays—who knew it could be so persistent? But oh, how lovely it looked, especially when the lights hit it just right, creating a sparkling effect that felt like a scene out of a holiday movie.

5. Advent Calendars

Finally, we can’t skip over the beloved advent calendar. These countdown calendars were a fun way to build anticipation for Christmas. Some families had the classic cardboard ones with little doors hiding chocolates or tiny gifts, while others might have had homemade versions filled with surprises. Each day was a mini celebration, opening a door and discovering what lay behind it.

There’s something nostalgic about that daily ritual, isn’t there? It was like a little treasure hunt leading up to the big day. And let’s be honest—who didn’t love the thrill of snagging the chocolate before anyone else could? It’s those sweet (literally!) memories that make the advent calendar a cherished decoration even today.

Vinyl and Velvet