Christmas 1980 was a magical time, filled with iconic music, fashion, and entertainment that still captivate us today. If you're feeling nostalgic for the holiday season of four decades ago, here are seven ways to relive Christmas 1980:
From the big hair to the synthesizer-heavy soundtracks, the 1980s were a time of great cultural and musical change. Christmas 1980 was no exception, with chart-topping hits from artists like ABBA, The Police, and Blondie dominating the airwaves. To get into the holiday spirit, create a playlist featuring the biggest hits of 1980, including "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, "Call Me" by Blondie, and "Funkytown" by Lipps Inc.
Decorate Your Home with a Retro Christmas Theme
Bring back the festive flair of Christmas 1980 with a retro-themed holiday display. Think neon lights, shiny ornaments, and vintage decorations like ceramic reindeer and snowmen. You can also incorporate iconic patterns from the era, such as plaid and geometric shapes, into your table runners, tree skirts, and gift wrapping paper.
Host a Retro Christmas Party
Gather your friends and family for a holiday bash that's straight out of the 1980s. Encourage guests to don their favorite retro outfits, complete with oversized sweaters, acid-washed jeans, and big hair. Serve classic cocktails like the Tom Collins and the Pink Squirrel, and set up a playlist featuring the best of 1980s holiday music.
Watch Classic Christmas Movies from 1980
Get cozy by the fire and watch some of the most iconic Christmas movies from 1980. Classics like "A Christmas Story," "Popeye," and "Flash Gordon" are sure to bring back memories of holiday seasons past. You can also marathon some of the most popular TV specials from the era, including "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"
Cook Up Some Retro Christmas Treats
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Christmas 1980 with retro-themed holiday treats. Try your hand at classic recipes like Chex Mix, cheese and crackers with retro-themed garnishes like pimentos and olives, and sugar cookies with festive sprinkles. You can also whip up some retro-inspired cocktails, like a Candy Cane Martini or a Gingerbread Man Latte.
Play Classic Christmas Games from 1980
Gather the gang for a night of old-school holiday gaming fun. Break out the Atari 2600 or Intellivision and play classic Christmas games like "Frosty the Snowman" and "Q*bert." You can also set up a tournament of popular board games from the era, including "Trivial Pursuit" and "The Game of Life."
Give Retro-Themed Christmas Gifts
Spread some holiday cheer with retro-themed gifts that will transport your loved ones back to the magical world of Christmas 1980. Consider gifting items like vintage-style postcards, retro-themed ornaments, and classic holiday-scented candles like cinnamon and pine. You can also give the gift of nostalgia with retro-themed books, movies, and music from the era.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane with Vintage Christmas Ads
Get into the holiday spirit by taking a trip down memory lane with vintage Christmas ads from 1980. Browse through old issues of popular magazines like "Life" and "People," or scour the internet for scans of retro holiday advertisements. You can also watch vintage holiday commercials on YouTube, featuring iconic brands like Coca-Cola and Budweiser.
We hope these seven ways to relive Christmas 1980 have brought back some magical holiday memories for you. Whether you're a child of the 1980s or just a fan of the era's iconic style and culture, there's no denying the allure of this special time of year.
What were some popular Christmas gifts in 1980?
+Some popular Christmas gifts in 1980 included the Rubik's Cube, the Atari 2600, and the Sony Walkman.
What were some popular Christmas songs in 1980?
+Some popular Christmas songs in 1980 included "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano, "Last Christmas" by Wham!, and "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney.
What were some popular Christmas movies released in 1980?
+Some popular Christmas movies released in 1980 included "A Christmas Story," "Popeye," and "Flash Gordon."