The 1970s - a time of disco, bell-bottom jeans, and iconic holiday traditions that still evoke a sense of nostalgia today. If you're looking to celebrate a retro 1970s Christmas, you're in luck! Here are 10 ways to transport yourself back to the groovy decade of polyester and platform shoes.
1. Deck the Halls with Retro Decorations
To get into the 1970s holiday spirit, start by decorating your home with vintage-inspired ornaments, garlands, and lights. Think macrame plant holders, chunky glass balls, and tinsel galore. You can also repurpose old records, cassette tapes, and vintage postcards to create unique and nostalgic decorations.
DIY Retro Decorations Ideas:
- Use old vinyl records to create a unique wreath or ornament
- Make a macrame plant holder using cotton rope and wooden dowels
- Create a retro-inspired garland using vintage postcards and string
2. Cook Up Some Retro Holiday Treats
The 1970s were all about bold flavors and colorful presentation. Why not try your hand at making some retro holiday treats, such as:
- Three-layer Jell-O mold with whipped cream and fruit
- Cheese and charcuterie board with retro-inspired dips and spreads
- Sugar cookies with vintage-inspired sprinkles and frosting
Retro Holiday Treats Recipe:
- Try making a classic 1970s cheese ball with cream cheese, cheddar, and chopped nuts
- Make a retro-inspired fruitcake with candied fruits and nuts
- Create a vintage-style gingerbread house using royal icing and candy canes
3. Get Your Groove On with Retro Holiday Music
No 1970s Christmas would be complete without the sounds of disco, funk, and classic rock. Why not create a playlist featuring some of the decade's most iconic holiday tunes, such as:
- "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano
- "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney
- "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey
Retro Holiday Music Playlist:
- Add some vintage-inspired holiday tunes to your playlist, such as "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" by Nat King Cole
- Include some retro-themed holiday playlists on music streaming services
- Create a playlist featuring classic holiday soundtracks from 1970s movies and TV shows
4. Host a Retro-Themed Holiday Party
Invite your friends and family over for a retro-themed holiday party, complete with:
- Vintage-inspired decorations and lighting
- Retro-themed cocktails and appetizers
- Classic holiday games and activities, such as White Elephant gift exchanges and holiday karaoke
Retro-Themed Holiday Party Ideas:
- Host a retro-themed holiday movie marathon featuring classic films from the 1970s
- Create a retro-inspired photo booth with vintage props and backdrops
- Have a retro-themed holiday dance party with disco, funk, and classic rock tunes
5. Give Retro-Inspired Gifts
Why not give your loved ones some retro-inspired gifts this holiday season, such as:
- Vintage-inspired clothing and accessories, such as bell-bottom jeans and platform shoes
- Retro-themed home decor items, such as vintage posters and macrame plant holders
- Classic holiday games and puzzles, such as Scrabble and Rubik's Cube
Retro-Inspired Gift Ideas:
- Give a vintage-inspired cookbook filled with retro recipes
- Create a retro-themed gift basket filled with vintage-inspired treats and snacks
- Give a retro-inspired board game or puzzle, such as Pong or a vintage-style jigsaw puzzle
6. Watch Retro Holiday Movies and TV Shows
The 1970s were a great time for holiday movies and TV shows. Why not watch some of the decade's most iconic holiday classics, such as:
- "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965)
- "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
- "The Year Without a Santa Claus" (1974)
Retro Holiday Movie and TV Show Marathon:
- Host a retro-themed holiday movie marathon featuring classic films from the 1970s
- Watch retro-themed holiday TV shows, such as "The Brady Bunch" and "The Partridge Family"
- Create a retro-inspired holiday movie and TV show playlist on streaming services
7. Play Retro Holiday Games
The 1970s were a great time for holiday games and activities. Why not try your hand at some retro holiday games, such as:
- White Elephant gift exchanges
- Holiday-themed charades and Pictionary
- Classic holiday board games, such as Scrabble and Clue
Retro Holiday Game Ideas:
- Host a retro-themed holiday game night featuring classic board games and activities
- Create a retro-inspired holiday scavenger hunt with vintage-themed clues and challenges
- Play retro-themed holiday video games, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong
8. Attend a Retro-Themed Holiday Event
Why not attend a retro-themed holiday event, such as:
- A retro-themed holiday party or dance
- A vintage-inspired holiday market or craft fair
- A classic holiday concert or show featuring retro-themed music and performances
Retro-Themed Holiday Event Ideas:
- Attend a retro-themed holiday festival featuring vintage-inspired food, drinks, and activities
- Host a retro-themed holiday dinner party featuring classic holiday recipes and decorations
- Create a retro-inspired holiday display or exhibit featuring vintage holiday decorations and memorabilia
9. Take a Retro-Themed Holiday Road Trip
Why not take a retro-themed holiday road trip to some of the decade's most iconic destinations, such as:
- The famous Route 66
- The iconic Hollywood sign
- The retro-themed amusement parks, such as Disneyland and Six Flags
Retro-Themed Holiday Road Trip Ideas:
- Take a retro-themed holiday road trip to some of the decade's most iconic music venues, such as the Fillmore in San Francisco and the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles
- Visit some of the decade's most iconic holiday destinations, such as the North Pole and the Christmas markets in Germany
- Create a retro-inspired holiday road trip playlist featuring classic holiday tunes and road trip anthems
10. Take a Step Back in Time with Retro Holiday Traditions
Finally, why not take a step back in time and try some retro holiday traditions, such as:
- Making homemade holiday decorations and gifts
- Cooking classic holiday recipes from scratch
- Watching vintage holiday movies and TV shows
Retro Holiday Tradition Ideas:
- Create a retro-inspired holiday Advent calendar featuring vintage-themed activities and treats
- Host a retro-themed holiday cookie exchange featuring classic holiday recipes
- Take a retro-themed holiday photo shoot featuring vintage-inspired props and backdrops
We hope these ideas help you celebrate a retro 1970s Christmas that's groovy, far out, and totally tubular! Don't forget to share your favorite retro holiday traditions and ideas with us in the comments below.
What are some popular retro holiday decorations?
+Some popular retro holiday decorations include vintage-inspired ornaments, garlands, and lights, such as macrame plant holders, chunky glass balls, and tinsel.
What are some classic holiday recipes from the 1970s?
+Some classic holiday recipes from the 1970s include three-layer Jell-O mold with whipped cream and fruit, cheese and charcuterie board with retro-inspired dips and spreads, and sugar cookies with vintage-inspired sprinkles and frosting.
What are some retro holiday games and activities?
+Some retro holiday games and activities include White Elephant gift exchanges, holiday-themed charades and Pictionary, and classic holiday board games, such as Scrabble and Clue.