1. Writing Letters to Santa
Before Christmas morning, kids in the ’80s had one important task: writing a letter to Santa. Armed with crayons and glittery stickers, they’d pour their hearts out on colorful sheets of paper. Some kids might’ve asked for the latest Cabbage Patch Doll or a rad new BMX bike, while others just wanted a puppy (because who doesn’t want a puppy?). The anticipation of sending that letter off was almost as exciting as Christmas morning itself!
2. Watching Holiday Specials
After the letters were sent, it was time for family bonding over holiday TV specials. Who could forget the annual viewing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? These shows weren’t just entertainment; they were a tradition. Kids would gather around the TV, hot cocoa in hand, ready to sing along and maybe even shed a tear at the touching moments. It was a cozy way to feel the holiday spirit creeping in.
3. Decorating the Tree
Christmas trees were not just decorations; they were masterpieces in the making! Kids would eagerly help hang ornaments, usually starting with the ones they made in school — you know, the macaroni and glitter kind. As the tree slowly transformed into a twinkling beacon of joy, kids would argue over which ornament was the “most special.” Spoiler alert: everyone thought their handmade creations were the best!
4. Baking Cookies for Santa
No Christmas was complete without some serious cookie-baking action. Kids would team up with Mom (or Dad, if he was feeling adventurous) to whip up batches of cookies, adding sprinkles and icing like they were decorating a masterpiece. The smell of sugar and butter wafting through the house was enough to make anyone giddy. Plus, there was always that thrilling moment of sneaking a cookie (or two) before they even made it to the plate for Santa. It was practically a rite of passage!
5. Making Holiday Crafts
Arts and crafts were all the rage in the ’80s, especially during the holiday season. Kids would gather supplies from around the house — construction paper, glue, and maybe some old magazines — to create everything from garlands to homemade cards. The craft table looked like a tornado had hit it, but that’s what made it fun! You could practically feel the creativity buzzing in the air, and every glitter-covered project felt like a tiny gift from the heart.
6. Counting Down the Days
Advent calendars were the ultimate countdown to Christmas, and kids took this job very seriously. Each day brought a new chocolate treat or a tiny surprise, and the thrill of opening that little cardboard door was like finding buried treasure. Some kids even made their own countdown chains, tearing off a link each day. It was a simple yet effective way to build up excitement — and trust me, the days felt like an eternity!
7. Leaving Out Milk and Cookies
Finally, after all the festivities and fun, it was time for the big moment: preparing for Santa’s visit. Kids would carefully set out milk and cookies, hoping to catch a glimpse of the jolly old man. Some even left carrots for the reindeer, because, let’s face it, they deserved a snack too! The thrill of going to bed knowing that Santa was on his way made it nearly impossible to sleep. But once the eyes finally closed, dreams of sugar plums and toys danced in their heads, making the wait worthwhile.
In Conclusion
Looking back, it’s clear that the magic of Christmas in the ’80s was a delightful mix of creativity, excitement, and family bonding. Each of these activities brought kids closer to the holiday spirit, making Christmas morning even more special. Whether it was writing letters to Santa or leaving out cookies, these traditions created lasting memories that still warm our hearts today. So, as we celebrate the holidays now, let’s remember to keep that joyful spirit alive, just like we did back then.
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