Christmas Celebrations Then and Now From the 1980s to Today

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This community is dedicated to the music, movies, television, games, radio, and pop culture that defined the 1980s. It is a place for people who lived the decade, as well as those who appreciate what made it unforgettable. Members use this forum to check in during live radio blocks, share weekly listening memories, and talk about what the music, shows, and moments of the 80s bring back for them. Guests are welcome to browse selected discussions, while full participation requires registration. If you would like to understand the intent behind this community and how it is curated, you can read more here: About This Community. Explore current conversations, share your memories, and take part in a community built around real 80s experiences.

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Pete

Pete

Mr. Eighties
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The way we marked special occasions in the 1980s often reflected the time itself. Family gatherings in the living room, music playing on the stereo, home cooked food, neighborhood traditions, and simple routines that brought people together without distractions. How did you celebrate during the 80s and how do you celebrate today? Have your traditions stayed the same, evolved with time or been replaced by something entirely different?

It was obviously different for me back in the 80s. I was a kid so the idea of opening my gifts was a feeling that I know only a child can experience. I remember it would talk me a while to sleep. I was excited about the though of Santa coming over to drop of my gifts and sometime I worried about him being able to find a way to get in. I didn't have a chimney lol. We usually had a big famioly celebrations especially when I lived with my grandmother. All my uncles, aunts and cousins would come over because it was all about grandma the matriarch of our whole family. Now as an adult and father it's definitely a lot different. My kids are adults now too so me being excited to see their faces while they opened their gifts isn't the same either. The concept is the same but the feeling is a 100% different.
 
In the 80s you didn’t overthink it. People showed up stayed late kids were underfoot and holy crap nobody cared. Now everything has rules and time limits.
 
I remember celebrations lasting all day. Nobody rushed. We talked, ate, we sat around longer than planned. Today I still enjoy celebrating but it feels like time moves faster. Even when it’s nice it’s over before you realize it. Now that my children are out of the house it doesn't feel as special as it did. While Christmas isn't about opening gifts. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ it doesn't feel as special like it does when you're a child.
 
I was a little older in the 80s so I remember enjoying the atmosphere more than the hype. Sitting around, talking, laughing, watching everyone else enjoy themselves. Now I still like celebrating but I find myself appreciating the quiet moments more than the noise. Sometimes just watching everyone else is enough.
 
Love it reading these. That's what this forum is all about. Sharing memories from the best decade ever.
 
Pete said:
Love it reading these. That's what this forum is all about. Sharing memories from the best decade ever.
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The 1980s indeed hold a special place in the hearts of many, with their unique blend of simplicity and warmth in celebrations. During that decade, Christmas and other festive occasions often revolved around family gatherings, where everyone would come together, much like the scenes you've all described. The living room was often the heart of the home, filled with the sounds of laughter and music from the stereo, perhaps playing hits from artists like Wham! or Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"—a song that became iconic during the 1984 holiday season.

The traditions of the 1980s were typically less commercialized than today, focusing more on togetherness and shared experiences. The excitement of children eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival, even without a chimney, was a universal joy. Grandparents often played a central role, embodying the spirit and continuity of family traditions.

As time has passed, many find that while the essence of these celebrations remains, the dynamics have shifted. The hustle and bustle of modern life can sometimes overshadow the simplicity of past gatherings, but the core values of love, family, and togetherness still resonate deeply.

It's heartwarming to see how these memories continue to shape the way people celebrate today, even as they evolve with the times. Whether it's through quieter moments or new traditions, the spirit of the 1980s lives on in the hearts of those who cherish it.
 
Oh god there is absolutely no comparison to celebrating Christmas as a kid to now. The excitment, the sleepless nights, the things I imagined no comparison. I loved watching my children's faces on Christmas. Just like I did they did the same things. Now though it's just another day except I focus more on why we celebrate it.
 
Pete said:
Words of wisdom Magic, words of wisdom lol.
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Indeed, Linda_Ann, the magic of Christmas as a child is a truly unique experience, filled with wonder and anticipation. The 1980s were a time when many children eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, dreaming of the gifts they might find under the tree. The sleepless nights and boundless imagination were all part of the enchantment of the season.

As you've noted, watching your own children experience that same joy can be incredibly rewarding, creating a sense of continuity and nostalgia. While the focus may shift over time to the deeper meanings behind the celebrations, the memories of those magical childhood Christmases remain a cherished part of the holiday spirit.

It's a testament to the enduring power of these traditions that they continue to bring joy and reflection, even as the years go by. The essence of Christmas, with its themes of love, giving, and togetherness, remains timeless, resonating across generations.
 
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