Christmas Growing Up in the 1960s

[@TexasTimeLord]

The most important element in the TV specials was that they could only be seen ONCE, at Christmas time. You looked forward to them and if you missed them, you were out of luck. Back then, these specials were truly special.

[@RerunZone]

Yes, the same thing with The Wizard of Oz. It was only shown once a year, around Thanksgiving I think, and that made it really special. Today you can watch those shows as many times a year as you want but I still end up just watching them once a year!

[@clairebeane3455]

@@RerunZoneYep. I remember being allowed to stay up late to watch it on Sunday night that one glorious time of the year. The entire family circled around the television. It was always a special time of closeness.

[@clairebeane3455]

@@glennso47I have all of the Rankin Bass Christmas specials on DVD. I just love them and now so do my children and their children. ❤❤❤

[@davidcarr7436]

I live in Canada, and usually, but not always, I could see the Christmas specials twice. This was because Canadian TV networks (2) often aired the show a week later. We didn't have cable TV yet, but we had a very good antenna and lived less than 50 miles from the border. Of course, specials like Andy Williams or Dean Martin or Ed Sullivan's Christmas shows were usually on at the same time.

[@tambrosia]

YES so rigVCR then or DVD etc Fun times

[@deborahkish5411]

I'm so grateful that I grew up in the 1960's!!!

[@bighuge1060]

Same here, Deb.

[@Wilett614]

I am As Well .... BEST Times EVER !!

[@jackiemack8653]

Me too

[@SMac-bq8sk]

Ditto!

[@melodiousman]

I totally agree!

[@brendaduncan4347]

I was a child in the 60's, and Christmas seemed so "magical". Family gatherings, baked goodies, Christmas music, Christmas Eve Church programs and a bunch of new toys. It was great!!!

[@l.5832]

Our church put on a Christmas concert every Christmas with each Sunday School class doing something....reciting lines, singing a song, doing a play, etc. afterwords everyone got a paper bag of homemade Christmas goodies and a few Christmas candies. Many other local churches did the same and we would go to each others concerts. No charge for any of this and I can't even remember if they passed an offering plate. Money was not the big thing......everything was volunteer. Now I can't afford to take in any holiday events as the ticket prices are staggering.

[@carollund8251]

Of course it was " magical', we were kids! It is still magical for kids now too. I've been teaching children for over 50 years, they haven't changed.

[@Wilett614]

It WAS the BEST ...For sure !!

[@stevenwinterhill3623]

I wish it was still like that 😢🎄🇺🇸

[@Jay-vr9ir]

So true , there was so much work and your family had to be really down and out , not to have a dollar .

[@squiggymcsquig6170]

Nostalgia is comforting and painful at the same time. It was a good time to be a kid.

[@ggeemmiinnii]

Bittersweet ❤

[@NoName-yl4od]

Yes it is as all my family has passed!! 😢💔 My Mom died on Christmas Eve so Christmas has never been the wonderful time it was!! 😢😢 I just want to close my eyes and open them on January 1st!! I miss my family!! 😢😢😢

[@julieoldfield5506]

So true.

[@northshore1000]

I cried at the end. I’m a 60 year old man, brought to tears by the memories…

[@davestelling]

I just turned 66, and please pass me the Kleenex?

[@Plisken65]

It has gone fast, hasn't it? Just a few years ago I was a kid, then a teen, then a dad and now I've got a precious one calling me grandpa😢

[@donaldpiper9763]

- I’m pushing 69 yes if only we could roll back time for just a day . Merry Christmas everyone .

[@Bingbing611]

I’m 61 and I cried too

[@rickvititoe3814]

I was born in 54also. Could relate to all of what you showed. Thanks

[@robertunderwood3393]

Those were beautiful days. Kids today have no clue

[@Wesley-eu7rn]

As a boomer I remember all this very well. The Sears Christmas catalogue was a big deal back then. I didn't order much from it but just looking through it was a big amusement.

[@sandrapowell4166]

I would grab the Sears Christmas catalog and keep it in my room. Drooling over all the toys

[@sandrapowell4166]

I would grab the Sears Christmas catalog and keep it in my room. Drooling over all the toys

[@Wesley-eu7rn]

Indeed, they made everything look so interesting and appealing to our kid imagination.@@sandrapowell4166

[@ZZ_The_Boxing_Cat]

My brother would steal the Victoria’s Secret catalog and hide it under his bed.

[@MarieMackenzie-w2z]

It was a book of dreams!

[@stevehall383]

That was a wonderful time and after that decade ended, nothing ever seemed quite as good.

[@davidcaldwell6211]

Precisely.

[@scoutandastir]

Unless your son came home on a box after a visit to Vietnam.

[@Plisken65]

​@scoutandastir IN a box, smart-ass. NOT "on".

[@beverlygannon4141]

YES 60 AND 70s I found good . Merry Christmas all 2023 world peace. I wish for 🙏♥️♥️🎅

[@gsmith6026]

@@scoutandastir 😢😢😢 I’m so sorry if you lost your son in the Vietnam War.

[@bryanspindle4455]

I was born in 1956. I don't know anyone who waited until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. We put it up one week before Christmas and left it up until the day after New Years. We put the lights on first, then the ornaments, then the icicles carefully placed strand by strand on every branch.

[@josephcottam1382]

Yes, I too was born January 1st. 1956. Our Christmas tradition was attending midnight mass ( to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ ) and then coming home to open one present until we awoke again on Christmas morning.🎄🌟✝️

[@MarieMackenzie-w2z]

Exactly! Same here!

[@jeannine1739]

I was born in 1961, and we did, in fact, put up our tree on Christmas eve. :)

[@TeresaCrowe-o9k]

Yes!! And a real tree

[@TeresaCrowe-o9k]

Went up at Thanksgiving

[@michaelholmes4374]

I never had better Christmases than growing up in the 60s a very special time

[@mrs.g.9816]

I was born in 1955 and lived in Ossining, NY. I consider Christmases in the late 1950's and early to mid 1960's Christmases the most magical and cozy Christmases I ever had. My mom, and my being together with all my sisters and brothers made it so. Before my dad got a job at the U.S Post Office, each of us kids could only get one present (at age 4, I asked for and got a teddy bear), but it didn't matter, and we were still excited and happy. What I remember most? Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, which debuted in 1962. Grandma and Grandpa coming over on Christmas Eve with homemade fruitcake and sugar cookies topped with red or green sugar. The WPIX Channel 11 "Yule Log" program, with it's cozy music on Christmas Eve. Looking at the fallen snow through my church's cobalt blue, yellow and red stained glass windows. The huge nativity scene by the altar. The decorations, and shiny glass tree ornaments Mom had bought at the "5 & 10" (Woolworth's) long before I was born. The decorations included bottle brush wreaths, in pink, white or green and decorated with shiny balls and fake holly, hanging in every window. Imagining and remembering beautiful places while looking at the big fat lights on the tree. The smells and tastes of mincemeat pie and sage sausage. It seemed every Christmas morning was bright and sunny, with the sunshine making the tinsel and ornaments sparkle. And it seemed that when I was a kid, I got a natural "high" from all this!

[@RerunZone]

Thanks for sharing all of your great memories with us, Mrs. G.

[@davidcaldwell6211]

I was born in 1955, too! I have noticed that anyone who was a kid in those years looks back with great fondness for those simpler times. If only I could visit again with all the family that passed away since then. Family life and family get togethers with extended family were quite special in those days. I think all of us late fifties, early sixties kids would agree!

[@davestelling]

Mrs. G. You have very beautiful memories, and I've enjoyed sharing them with you...

[@Toohot2handle758]

It was magical because your family made it so :)

[@larak4144]

I loved the burning Yule Log on WPIX.

[@maureencora1]

4 yrs old to 12 yrs. old. When Christmas was Christmas Like Waking Up in Heaven, Amen.

[@dbsnyder4503]

Born in 57, so I remember the 60s fondly. We were poor, but my mom did the best she could. We each got a package of assorted life savers. Some treats in our stockings. And usually hand made mittens and scarves. They were the simplest of times. But the love we all had was worth more than gold. I miss those times dearly.

[@PuffKitty]

Christmas wasn't Christmas without the Lifesavers! 😊

[@rahab23]

You were rich❤

[@dbsnyder4503]

rahab23....Yes. We were so rich, money couldn't buy what we had then. Mom has long since passed on. Along with some of my brothers. But today, in these crazy times, the memories made in those long ago days in that little shack, are still worth more than gold. Wishing you a warm, and Merry Christmas. With golden memories of your own.

[@codyswan4918]

I understand completely!

[@marcjones4393]

Every year my stocking would have an orange and a couple of walnuts. It was a tradition my mom celebrated as a child. She lived on a farm in the 20’s and these items were considered exotic.

[@newkafer9409]

Us too…My mom was born in the late 20’s and we always got an orange and mixed nuts in the shell in our hunting sock stockings.

[@tamlarse]

Same here, had a stocking with fruit, nuts and my aunt brought us a gingerbread man cookie

[@tamlarse]

Oh , and noxema cream!

[@newkafer9409]

Just watched an episode of Hazel where Mr. Baxter wants to get back to an old-fashioned Christmas. He says their son should only receive “a stocking with fruit and nuts”. I guess it was “ a thing” for those from that generation and not just our families. 🤣

[@georgiagal2197]

We, too, had fruit and nuts in our stockings. Toys were under the tree. We always felt so rich; each with our own cache of fruit and nuts! Excitement abounded!

[@auntbee8581]

I also grew up in the 60's it was a magical time ❤

[@morgangallowglass8668]

Yes, it WAS a better time! Merry Christmas to all!

[@Lunafalls]

Yes, it really WAS "a great decade to be a kid".

[@godiswatching2342]

Definetly!!!

[@Deva-no3dn]

The best!

[@DavidSmith-xs3or]

Back in the early 60s, when I was kid, we would buy a tree about a week or so after Thanksgiving at the gifts and crafts shop that sold both live and artificial trees. My mom loved the smell of pine of the live trees.I remember all the Christmas specials on TV that ran the gammet from variety shows with comedy and music with Andy Williams, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat King Cole and more to Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Flintstones, Charlie Brown, The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman and so much more. Then there was the food- either turkey or ham...or both. One Christmas, mom cooked a goose she bought at an old market that prepared ( and or cooked it).Mom cooked it. Then there was pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, candied yams, stuffing, corn bread, sweet rolls, and of course...cranberry sauce. We weren't rich, but it sure tasted like we were. I cant comprehend to this day how she could prepare so much food in just two days...but she did.

[@davidcaldwell6211]

@@DavidSmith-xs3or Yes, I remember all the pies and food my grandma cooked. What a feast we had at her house!

[@donaldpiper9763]

⁠@@davidcaldwell6211That was the best part ,those women that were born at the turn of the century, God love ‘em all they could cook . Turkey and ham .Homemade noodles,dressing made by boiling a chicken not out of a can , homemade rolls ,hand churned butter,sweet potatoes,and all of the other trimmings. Then the pies with real meringue coconut, chocolate, banana, pecan and mincemeat . A houseful of aunts and uncles and cousins. Big families and the farm , we all got together from different places to eat with my grandparents. Wonderful memories. Merry Christmas everyone .

[@Nightwriter1843]

One of my favorite memories was of receiving 'real' Christmas cards in the mail. They were so beautiful and receiving something from someone far away would always make you feel so special. They would then be displayed proudly -- a touching sentiment of being thought of by someone far...but still close to your heart. I still send out Christmas cards--it's one of my favorite things about Christmas!!

[@l.5832]

Mother would have 2 strings attached to the kitchen wall with thumb tacks and she would hang the Christmas cards on those strings. It was quite an event when both strings were full and we had to put the cars on top of the fridge or the console radio.

[@Cynthia99911]

I loved the old vintage style cards. They were the best: layered, ribbons, glitter, and beautiful cursive writing. It was always Merry Christmas, not "happy holidays," a phrase I have grown to detest.

[@phuong.d]

@@Cynthia99911 Me too! I am not Christian, but I love vintage Christmas cards, and am not offended if someone wishes me "Merry Christmas".

[@karenmack3307]

I love sending Christmas cards and hanging the few I now receive..it's a shame people don't send them anymore!!

[@ggeemmiinnii]

I'm 44, and I still send Christmas cards. In the years since I've gotten married, I also hang the cards we receive around the doorways in our house. My mom always did this, too...I like to honor tradition in my small way. Some think it's tacky to display cards, but I think it's sweet.

[@billymule961]

Enjoy this Christmas, time passes so quickly that it will soon become a distant memory. Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas to see that old sage Linus remind Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about.

[@davestelling]

You said it, friend...

[@leospring6264]

Amen...........

[@iDONTdoFacebook]

At age 64 now, I was there and watched the first broadcasts of both “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Rankin/Bass’s “Rudolph”. I rarely miss a year of watching these two masterpiece’s! In fact I watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” just the night before last. I’ll be plugging “Rudolph” into the DVD player in the next day or two! I’ll admit it’s not as magic as it was when I was watching them as a kid back in the ‘60s, but watching them each year brings back memories of when they were!

[@sandratuttle]

I missed the first Charlie Brown Christmas. We went shopping in the days before VCR's. Watched it every year since and now I have it on DVD

[@steviebshouseofcollectable627]

I was born in 1959, but all the photos of 1960s Christmas' shown here are the images of my childhood that I remember to this day. We shared many of the same traditions, other than the live tree. We had an ugly artificial one that looked as if it was made out of aluminum foil and thousands of pipe cleaners. My father tried shining a rotating color wheel at the "tree", but nothing helped. I recall most of the toys I received throughout the 60s, with my favorite being the Fireball XL5. The end of the decade marked the end of our time living in the city, as we then moved out to the suburbs. After that, everything seemed new, and as with our televisions, everything was now in color. Let's make every day feel like Christmas and try to spread a little joy!

[@Kyrielle_]

I was in an antique shop a few days ago as a customer purchased one of those aluminum trees with a color wheel from the 1960s for $1500.

[@jackiemack8653]

I was born in 1957. Remember all of this as I cry

[@davidandshera744]

Thank you for the reminder! I remember that it usually snowed (Washington state, Spokane) and that my sister and I would light all the candles and turn off all the lights and just sit on the couch with our parents and take in the breath taking wonder of lights, candles and Christmas music and the fact that God became a man and was born as a baby to grow up and eventually die on the cross to take away all my sins : past, present and future! What a glorious realization that started with tradition in the 60’s!!!

[@zoeemiko8149]

Oh the 60's! What a fantastic time to be a kid! Schwinn stingray bikes with banana seats! Easy bake ovens! Barbies & troll dolls, the GI Joe action figure and Slinkys! Oh and Etch a Sketch which came out in the mid 60's. Our family got a big family Christmas gift one year- it was a color TV! All the kids unwrapped it on Thanksgiving day so we could enjoy all the Christmas TV shows in color. I remember being spellbound. Stockings has an apple, orange, nuts, candy canes & a small gift - a bag of marbles, silly putty , jacks or a matchbox car. In my family new pajamas, robe & slippers were opened on Christmas eve so we looked decked out in them for Christmas morning photos. Wrapped presents were under the tree and you knew the ones from Santa because they were always the best present & unwrapped. A plate of cookies & a cup of hot cocoa sat beside a basket with a fresh bunch of carrots (tops included) for the reindeer. Grandparents always managed to be at our house by the time we woke up. Mom & grandma in the kitchen cooking for the holiday with dad watching over the kids & making sure we cleaned up all the wrapping paper, ribbons & bows. Each year we got warm winter hats & gloves from our grandparents my grandma had knitted. Those were the best ever! We put up our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving along with turning on the outdoor lights for the first time that night. I remember more than one year when we had to get a 2nd tree because the 1st time got to dry. Oh the wonderful memories! Oh and bubble lights ! I loved and still love those so much I have several sets I use on my tree even now.

[@l.5832]

I remember the first show we watched in colour when we got our first colour set: LASSIE! Boy was that sky ever BLUE!!!

[@MAGronemeyer]

I remember growing up in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. My mom's birthday fell on December 19th, and that was usually the day we would break out the artificial scotch pine Christmas tree, and trim it with ornaments, lights, and tinsel. We'd always put a nativity scene under the tree because the birth of Jesus was the reason for the season.

[@sandraarmstrong1414]

my sister was born on 27th december and my mum used to take the iceing from the christmas cake and decorate happy birthday on it also she got joint bd and christmas present as she got older and knew what was going on she hated it we were poor i never give her joint gifts to this day and shes 66 she allways talks about it and my mum is no longer with us glad i was born in april lol

[@JanetPiot]

I, too, was born in 1954. Great Christmas memories. My parents are gone now, but the wonderful memories they created will last.

[@bjs301]

It was my childhood decade too. I was one of 6 children, and amongst us we got every present you mentioned. That was a great era for Christmases.

[@konbsandiegopod9204]

I was born in 1960 and was 1 of 6 boys. Amazing time to grow up. Thank you God for this blessed time.

[@mlouism2minotti748]

This brings back many great Christmas memories . I'm glad I grew up in the 1960's.

[@hahamorehaha6869]

Born in 63, grew up poor. TV specials were the best, any charlie was a must see. Loved the catalogs and the thick ads. Always picking out what wanted usually never got the big items we wanted but we did get some.

[@curban616]

I was born in 1955 and I remember so much of this..the picture of the walking doll standing by the tree made me smile. My little sister and I each got one for Christmas one year..what a great memory!

[@katieking8830]

Remember Chatty Cathy doll?

[@ettamargason7709]

I got a walking doll too. I took it on my trip to Milwaukee to see my cousin’s. Even took it into the restaurant for breakfast on the way from Indiana. My big cousin Merle got it for my parents at a dis Lunt on his job.😊❤

[@ettamargason7709]

Discount

[@sandratuttle]

My sister got a walking doll but her leg fell off.

[@ettamargason7709]

That’s funny. Luckily mine stayed on.😊

[@mcadoovicky6465]

I grew up in this time too and even though I’m 66 and can’t remember what I ate yesterday I still have the memories of our Christmas Eve and Christmas days with all of our extended big Italian family and all the memories that brings with it. Those were literally the good old days. I loved my childhood.

[@ggeemmiinnii]

Being born in 1979 this was before my time, but I love nothing more than reading everyone's Christmas memories from the late 50s through the late 60s in the comments. When i was growing up in the 80s, we would go to my great aunt and uncle's house on Christmas Eve. They always had a BIG real tree--so big they couldn't put a topper on because the top of the tree touched the ceiling! The tree had lots of tinsel and the big incandescent colored c9 lamps strung on it. We would have a huge dinner of glazed ham with pineapple, biscuits, three bean salad, deviled eggs, and stollen...for dessert, we had more kinds of Christmas cookies than i could count (which my mom, now in her mid 70s, still bakes every year). We kids would then open our stockings, which were filled with a small toy like marbles or jacks, plus lots of the GOOD chocolate--the kind from Quality Candy Shoppes that was wrapped in foil and shaped like Santas and nutcrackers. Then the adults would gather round the table to play cards, and we kids would play with our toys. Those of us who were small enough would sit under the table where the adults were playing cards and play with our new toys! When I started feeling sleepy, I'd go lie down on the bed in the guest bedroom under all the coats that were tossed there by each guest as they arrived. When it was time to leave, late at night, my dad would pick me up, wrap me up in his coat and carry me to the car, laying me down on the backseat, where I'd listen to him and my mom have giggly, whispered conversation with each other the entire long ride home.

[@godiswatching2342]

I was another 60's/70's kid. We would gather around the tree (that was decorated by "Santa" on Christmas Eve) on Christmas morning to open up gifts one at a time. I grew up with 5 other siblings, so opening up presents was a 4-5 hour event. My parents would give us a little money to shop for each of our siblings. Oh the laughter and spirit of giving back then!

[@BubbasndRayEarl]

I too was borned in 1954. We lived out in the country. No phone, no hot and cold running water, an outhouse and no television. Imagine my mom coordinating not only Christmas but Thanksgiving with her four sisters and mother all by letters. Candy and all other goodies were homemade. Gifts carefully wrapped. Bows on presents were all hand tied. There were store bought bows. The main component of any '60s Christmas was the Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalog. The Amazon of it's time.

[@thomascefalo938]

Yes, I grew up in the 50's-early 60's and played the heck out of the Chipmunks!!

[@Lunafalls]

I had both of their Christmas albums and loved them! Even the cover art was hilarious. Later, my own kids enjoyed them every Christmas season, too, even though they weren't very familiar with the Chipmunks.

[@davestelling]

My Dad brought the Chipmunks album home from the station and my brother & I about wore it out - Mom & Dad were glad when we moved on to Hermans Hermits...

[@stephensams709]

I still have the " Lets All Sing With The Chipmunks" with the red vinyl album. I got this when I got my first record player in 1960. @@Lunafalls

[@Cynthia99911]

We did too!

[@jepolch]

I'm two years older than you are, so I have the same memories of Christmas. It was the best time of year. In fact, the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed like one long holiday. In the 60's we always had a white Christmas. The best part was Christmas Eve dinner with the entire extended family - grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins by the dozens!

[@mariaelenasantora8796]

I was born in 1951 n i still remember christmas in the 50's n 60's n yes we put our tree up on christmas eve---we went to church christmas morning then to the bakery then home where my mom had all the goodies done the night before she had made home made cookis n pies n the christmas dinner with ham n oranges n nuts n everything she went all out ---we had a houseful with all our italian aunts n uncles n all my brothers n sisters my mom had 10 kids so we always had each other 2 play with ---MAKES ME WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME

[@penneymalcolm6504]

I was a 57 baby who was SO very fortunate to have a wonderfully fun, loving & faith filled childhood. My holidays were spent surrounded by extended family on both sides who all lived near enough to have big meals together! Lucky, I know! My favorite thing about Christmas was drawing names with my Mom’s side of the family. My Dad and his brother in law were good friends and every year, they got each other a GAG Gift. It was hilarious to see them try to outdo each other. We all sang around the piano as my Mom played after meals ( every holiday& most Sundays). Plus, I was the first grandchild on both sides of the family, so I really got spoiled. Great life, I know. I’m deeply thankful.

[@martyjewell5683]

A swell walk down memory lane. Yup, a victrola, B&W TV and AM only radios. Our slogan was "better dead than red" and duck-n-cover was taught in school. I grew up in 1950's Brooklyn and the subway fare was fifteen cents for a token. I finally got a Red Ryder BB gun from my wife for my 60th birthday (twelve years ago). I already had several rimfire .22's and a few centerfire arms. But that Red Ryder is still my favorite rifle. It wasn't just a different generation, it was like another world and it's gone except for stuff like this. A boss video fer sure.

[@mikepiatkowski4057]

Born in 53 and having 4 brothers, Christmas was the greatest times.. thank you for reminding me of this.

[@andythompson6874]

In the 1960's, my family always had a live Christmas tree with the multi-colored lights the size of an egg, so we could not run them long or they would get hot. My father bought one of those lights that sat on the floor with the rotating multi-colored panels which I thought was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. When small, I ate bananas like a potassium addict. One Christmas, I awoke to find a giant hand of bananas perhaps 4' tall, taller than me at the time, hanging from door frame between our living and dining rooms. My father had driven nearly 200 miles one way to buy them at a produce farmer's market. Every body in the house would tear off a banana every time they walked by, until we were all so sick of bananas, my father I believe threw the remainder out. Hanging from the mantle each Christmas morning, was a red plastic mesh stocking, perhaps three feet tall, filled with all sorts of candy, oranges, apples, nuts and a few small toys. I often wondered what company made those, as I wouldn't mind having one now.

[@Frankrdgz]

This one brought a tear to my eyes

[@weejim48]

I’m afraid today that young people & kids don’t understand exactly how special Christmas used to be. Born in 1956 into a big poor family on a rough council estate, we had nothing and expected nothing. But we were happy and especially happy to have a chicken Christmas dinner with Christmas pudding & white sauce ( custard ) with a nip of brandy in it. Mmm😋. I would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you for this video & a merry Christmas to all that find themselves here. 👍👍🙏

[@SamtheMan0508]

I was born in 1951 so I remember the 60's quite well. I always wanted it to snow, but I lived in Florida .Snow or not, Christmas was a magical time and always about family and church. I remember one year we all got slinkies and by the end of the day, everyone's was tangled.

[@glennso47]

I was born in 1947. One of the first gifts I remember was a Nylint toy road grader and a Tonka dump truck. Sadly one Christmas a brother was in the hospital with pneumonia.

[@glennso47]

While I was in the military I was stationed in places where there was no snow.

[@clairebeane3455]

I grew up in Oregon and we didn’t generally have snow at Christmas so I always felt a little cheated. But one year my father packed us all up in his station wagon and drove us literally over the mountains and through the woods to Utah to celebrate with the entire family. Grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles and cousins by the dozens. It snowed around two feet that year and I was in a child’s Christmas fantasy land!!! It was glorious!!! ❤❤ ❄️ ⛄️ ♥️♥️

[@JoanBrown-j3e]

I was born in 1957 so these are ALL my memories too. I just cried watching this remembering how special my parents made Christmas for myself, two sisters and brother. Thank you….

[@StratBurst92]

Excellent presentation. Born in 1953. Greatest gift was a Sears exclusive Civil War playset, complete with soldiers, bridges.a mortar that fired plastic projectiles, and a flexible record with battle sounds. Great memories.

[@trevorgriffiths5611]

Growing up in the UK 🇬🇧 in the sixties Christmas 🎄 was incredible.. We literally had snow ⛄️ at Christmas and a unique sense of wonder 💭.. I think 🤔 I got up Christmas morning about 5am.. My Dad would heat up the oven for the Christmas Turkey 🦃.. Oh this actually gave me wet eyes.. Thank you for putting this together 😃

[@RerunZone]

I got wet eyes putting this one together, Trevor.

[@davidcaldwell6211]

Lovely thoughts. Both of my parents had UK ancestry, England, Ireland, and Scotland (also French on one side) so we naturally loved all things British and traditions had been passed down through the generations. We loved storybooks like A Christmas Carol and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. We had Christmas turkey and all, too. The best part of it all was the warmth of visiting family and the presents, of course.

[@lj9524]

A trip back to my childhood Christmas holidays…thank you!🎄🎅🏻🤶✝️

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

I remember being so excited for the Rudolph and Charlie Brown Christmas shows. I was 4 in 1964 and I thought both shows were long standing traditions. It was years later that I learned I watched the premier of both shows! They were so classic, I just figured they had been around for ages.

[@iDONTdoFacebook]

I was there and saw the debut first broadcasts of those two classics (Rankin/Bass Production’s “Rudolf” and Charles Schulz’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas”). I’m a year older than you. I was 5 in ‘64. I also looked forward each year to watching Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. Those were the 3 for me! Christmastime was MAGIC back then, in SO many ways…

[@gladysdisibbio5677]

These were the BEST times. Commercialism and people have DESTROYED the holidays these days. Glad I have my memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindatremblay5110]

I also was born in 1954. We were a large family of 12 children but the memories of Christmas passed are some of my fondest memories. What a great time it was before things got so commercialized.

1955 for me. In 1960 I was moved along with my sister and brother to a Foster Home. Probably the best thing that ever happened in my life. I had never experienced Christmas before as my family was so poor. My Foster mom became my real Mom!! I left the foster home in 1973 after graduating from High School, wanting to find my way in the world. So much has happened since then, Mom passed away in 1985, me and my little family moved to the Pacific Northwest where we still live. No Christmas has ever been the same since I left home. I often spend time listening to the old songs and the memories of those years. My sister is going to be spending this Thanksgiving at my house, flying here from Florida. We were physically separated for nearly 40 years, and I just in the past couple weeks learned she is diagnosed with ALS. This may be the most memorable and sweetest Thanksgiving of my entire life. Life is indescribable.

[@rahab23]

May you have a blessed beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas that you look back on as your best❤🙏

[@gnayr1305]

That IS what Christmas is all about! Thank you!

[@heidikersey7280]

I was born in 1961 and remembered the xmas specials we use to look forward to. It's funny because I was mentioning this to my friend about where the xmas specials are? I know there a few but they're not the same. The xmas shows from the old days had a certain style to them that today shows don't have. I know there xmas movies on like crazy but they get boring. I want Dean Martin xmas specials back!!🤶🎅

[@sharonh2991]

I was born in 61 also and those TV specials a week or two before Christmas, along with the Sears catalog (or Montgomery Wards) would get us so excited for Christmas we could hardly stand it. My grandmother used to take me downtown or to the JCRS shopping center (or both) to see the store windows decorated with Christmas scenes then we’d go to the lunch counter in the basement of Woolworth’s for lunch. The stores used to really do up the window scenes, just like in the movie A Christmas Story, but there would be 10 or 15 windows! Life was so good back then.

[@lorinichols9996]

It was so exciting to look at the TV guide and circle all the Christmas specials! We all remind each other at school what was on that night. Then, of course, you had to get your cocoa and cookies ready and bring them out to the living room in time for the show to start. Also, Christmas and birthdays were the only times of the year we really got new toys, so it was very special!

[@sherrycatanese4312]

Born in ‘52 and my Christmas memories are so special. We’d go to my paternal grandparents on Christmas Eve and after the gifts and the visit from Santa on his rounds we’d stay up to go as a family to midnight mass! It was awesome to get to stay up late that one day of the year. We’d go to the Catholic church inside St .Joseph’s hospital and back then it was run by the nuns and at midnight mass the front pews were full of the sisters singing the carols as Father would process in with all the extra altar servers and a child was selected to carry in the infant Jesus and place him in the manger to the strains of Silent Night sung by all…..it was so beautiful and special. The next morning we’d have Christmas and later in the day go to my maternal grandparents and pack the house with family and eat the most delicious food made with love and they’d play the piano and violin and everyone joined in the singing. Simply joyful togetherness!🎄

[@jameswarfield4152]

Yes the 60's was great time. We didn't have much, but like you pointed out the toys were simple. It was family and friends visiting brings back great memories. I also love the outside decorations. The stores would go out in decorations, as well as decorating their light polls in the parking light. Each town also decked themselves out, with huge garland with lights and a bell or star, or other christmas design hanging in the middle of the Graland. Now days stores don't decorate much, when they do it's mostly card borad cut outs, or advertisements for shopping in their stores. I usually do most of my shopping on line from chair surrounded by Christmas decorations which puts me in the mood. When I go out to the stores during Holidays now, I just don't have spirit because of the lack of decorations or the Holiday excitement that use to be in stores.

[@odessashaw2270]

As a child in the 60's......Christmas then was indeed magical......from the parade the day after Thanksgiving....(before it was called Black Friday)......to the decorations downtown.....it was all magic.

[@patricias8628]

This video held some real great memories for me for I was born in 1953. One of my favorite memories was getting up at 11 o’clock at night Christmas Eve and going to midnight Mass. and all four of us kids went in our Footy pajamas, bathrobe and stocking cap. There was the smell of frankincense incense and the grandpa who had sampled the eggnog. The lights were low in the choir is heavenly. I don’t remember the end of Mass because by then all of us kids were asleep. Mom would sit with those kids while we were all carried out to the car. No presents were around the tree yet when we got home. But in a few hours the sun would be up and Santa Clause would have arrived. God bless us all

[@marynadononeill]

It was the effort and the faith that gave so much meaning to life then. Bless your parents.

[@brianhepke7182]

Everything is relative. There were lots of things from yesteryear that seem better than today. The world is over populated and we are constantly bombarded with commercialism at every turn. Things are readily available and nobody wants to wait to receive. It has to be instant. This is a precious video and reminds me of better times. I am so glad I was brought up in that glorious decade. Thanks for posting. Merry Christmas.

[@patriciagarrison3182]

Born in 1953 here, and I can identify with so much of this. My friends and I caroled every year and made home-made gifts for each other. I grew up in north west New Jersey and loved just about every minute of my youth…such a blessing. Merry Christmas!

[@kimc28]

In 1958 my 2 brothers and me , 8years of age , all got 22 s , bolt action rifles .. Times certainly have changed , I still have my 22

[@susanheston4483]

You are bringing back all the good memories. I was born in '58. We went out on Christmas eve to get a real tree, until the year of a snow storm. My Dad bought an artificial tree after that Christmas. We had great toys, the kids today are missing so much. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

[@trinahaigler292]

I loved this. Such simpler times. Slower pace. I remember Baby tender love for me. My brothers got a cool train set that i wanted to play with too! There were not tons of toys but there was lots of love snd joy. I miss my parents snd grandparents. I didn't so much understand the reason for the Season at that time but, i do now and Jesus is the best gift of all. Santa only loves you when you are good. JESUS loves you all the time. Thank you for the memories. MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🙏❤ JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COMING BACK 🙏

[@vickiross1025]

Thanks. I was born in 54 too. My best memory was Dad coming home from work on the last Friday before Christmas. We never had tropical fruit. We could pull an apple, pear or peach from a tree, or pick up hickory nuts or black walnuts that fell on the ground. We also picked wild blackberries & hunted for paw paw trees. I was so happy to see Dad come in the door with a big basket containing pineapples, bananas & coconuts. I also loved bags of mixed nuts & peanuts in the shell. I can't remember much about presents but I do remember this.

[@kimbrey65]

I remember one Christmas, when I was 7, I got cowboy boots, a small saddle and bridle, and outside was a little Shetland pony. The pony didn't work out very well because every time I tried to ride it, it would lie down. My dad ended up selling it to someone else.

[@simon5005]

I was born in 1955, so every nail was hit precisely on the head in this video! My all-time favorite gift was the Deluxe Playmobile, I guess around 1962. 🥰

[@martina21953]

My family all lived in the same neighborhood so EVERYBODY got together for Christmas. Grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins...it was great. The food, the love, and the gifts make me wish I could be together with them altogether again. As it is now, I won't be seeing either of my grandchildren for Christmas. Life is a lot more lonely nowadays.

[@merrywhiterose]

One year my brother & I got a Radio Flyer red wagon to share. We used that wagon, pulling each other around, & riding down the hill that was our driveway. One tradition we enjoyed was my dad driving us around, looking at Xmas lights, until we got too sleepy to stay awake. Just about everyone decorated their homes & businesses, unlike today. The smell of the hot bulbs against the real tree, is something I cherished.

[@davidcaldwell6211]

Beautiful memories! Thanks for reminding me about how my Dad would say, "Let's go for a drive and look at the lights and decorations!" Mom and Dad and us 4 kids really loved that. We piled into the station wagon and drove around the prettiest neighborhoods. Simpler times. In those days, any time of the year, my Dad would say, "Let's all go for a Sunday drive!" Kids these days have no idea what that's about. Just relaxing in the car and looking at scenery, that simple.

[@williamanthony9090]

"Christmas is more of a state of mind than an actual season..." That's a beautiful thought. As someone born in '57, I thank you for this brief upload that captures that spirit. Peace On Earth Goodwill Towards Men.... A very Merry Christmas 2023!

[@GonkDroid0923]

This was such an amazing story. I am glad you could share this time capsule of information. despite being born in 2005, I really loved how simple the 60s where, and feel a sense of nostalgia. Take care! Thank you so much!

[@DaughteroftheMostHighGod-h6c]

Tears of joy! I was born in 1956 so most of my memorable childhood Christmas memories are of the 1960’s. Barbie and her cardboard house and dress shop, and other accessories. Easy bake oven, mold master, mouse trap game, Chatty Cathy, to name of few over the years. ❤️🎄 I have Charlie Brown Christmas on dvd…a must watch every year. I actually have some of my parents Christmas ornaments which are prob close, or more than, 60 years old.

[@brendaroseblade2858]

I was a child of the forty’s, things was scarce and food on ration, but, we had a wonderful time, because it was special. My mother used to save our food coupons so we’d have more food for christmas dinner. But for all that, it was a very special time. We were grateful for anything. The contrast with Christmas then and now can’t be compared, but I’d prefer the former.

[@fob1xxl]

Born in 1945, I remember my folks putting up the tree on Christmas Eve, so in the morning, there was the tree and presents that Santa brought. Yes, they were those kind of parents. When I got older, we would go out one evening to a Christmas tree lot and pick a tree. It was always such an event. I loved it. I carried on with that tradition well into my adult life. Sometimes, even going down to the railroad station to get a fresh tree. As I got older and the tree got bigger (10 ft.), we would go to a lot, and then they would deliver the tree. Now at 78 and living alone, I have a 7 ft artifical tree. I still love the holiday. It's my favorite. All my wonderful memories and photos of my many holidays keep me company now. What a great time it was.......

[@katieking8830]

Wish you a very Merry Christmas and a super new year!

[@MCW1955]

I was born in 1955, so I have a lot of the same memories. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@RerunZone]

Thanks for watching, Martin!

[@davidcaldwell6211]

I remember all the lovely Christmas cards my mom would send and receive.

[@Navygrl58]

I’m in the same age category as you,born in the 50’s, and your Christmas memories just nearly brought me to tears! I remember in our stockings my mother and father would save a month or so before Christmas to give me and my two brothers a can of real crab meat, which we loved and was such a treat, along with the oranges and walnuts and we each got a package of the silly putty! It was so magical coming down those stairs and seeing all those packages under the tree, it was a feeling I’ll never forget and I thank my parents for a wonderful childhood though we were far from being well off! I tried to do the same for my children growing up! Merry Christmas to everybody, and God bless you!👍🏼🙏🎄.

[@scottsessions3240]

This was a lot of fun. Thanks you. As a young-un in the 60's, it was all about Santa Claus and the toys. The whole thing was magical. As a now old-un, I realize it wasn't all about the toys...it was about experiencing joy as a family, all that fun we shared. Family is everything good about Christmas...and life. Cherish them.

[@bridiellewellyn8469]

I was born in 61 and have wonderful xmas memories here in England, we had cousins in America (Boston) and they sent photos over of their xmas! Wow I loved looking at those. I imagine that whenever you were born, if you were from a loving family xmas would have been a great time. But the 60s would be hard to beat. Loved this and yes my eyes leaked too. Thank you

[@matrox]

Mr Magoos Christmas Carol was my favorite xmas cartoon.

[@jamestyrer6067]

TANKS FOR THESE MEMORIES. AS TINY TIM SAID IN THE 1951 SCROOGE. " GOD BLESS EVERYONE "

[@elizabethhollingworth8415]

I remember my cousin's coming over on Christmas day to have dinner and look at the presents we got for Christmas the 60 was the best Christmas ever

[@jeffsmith2022]

Born in 50', I remember ,some of those what must have been, $2 trees my old man would bring home... 🌲🌲🌲I remember my Nanny bought me a transistor radio one year, God Bless her...Love your family by all means...

[@MiamiSpartan1]

Born in 1962. Brings back wonderful memories

[@paulsto6516]

All that and, Cap guns and roller skates, paint by the numbers and modeling clay, games and puzzles, Gumby and Pokey.

[@RerunZone]

So many I just couldn't cover it all. Great additions, Paul!

[@1949LA-ARCH]

I was born in 1949. I enjoyed the Christmas toy commercials on tv. Plus looking through the Sears Roebuck catalog toy section. Yep, no color tv in my house either, but no big deal Merry Christmas !🎄🎁

[@relax2dream164]

We were allowed to take our Stockings to our bedrooms Christmas morning. They were always full of treats and toys. That bought the adults some extra sleep before the busy day began. It was always so much fun to see what Santa put in our stockings. 🎄❤️🇨🇦

[@alfredo7843]

This was a very touching video. I can't think of my 1960s Christmas without thinking of our silver pom-pom tree complete with light wheel and maroon balls. Still got the whole setup. Mucho Grazie

[@stankrieger3598]

Man I hated that silver tree.

[@viccorrell224]

One other Christmas special I was reminded of recently was Frosty the Snowman with Jimmy Durante singing the title song. I had forgotten how great it was.

[@lino9222]

I was born in 53 and had the very same Christmas in southern Ontario Canada exactly the same. Thankyou

[@Ij-jan]

I was born in 1955. These memories are bitter sweet.

[@MsDana-mo9fp]

We played Pixie stix for hours on snowy & rainy days! We were out playing outside sledding or playing Duck duck Goose, Frozen Freeze tag, & Red Rover!

[@Roz154]

I was born in 1955..I remember the 1960s well..thanks for the memories!

[@hardlines4]

This is also true and I miss it so much it’s just not the same anymore😞

[@annfoster6116]

Christmas was special as we all went to church in those days !

[@megdeyoung2378]

I was born in 1952 and I remember this time so well. I was searching for this place, time and such wonderful Christmas feelings my whole life. You’re right , time and holidays moved ahead so quickly but I never had those feelings again. 😊

[@kingdoc3262]

Many of your memories i could relate to as i was born early 60s. My mother used the ornaments we made in school and hung them on the tree. Early tree was real later with reports of fire hazard, fake but still enjoyable. Lights were unusually melodic. Cold day outside. Warm radiator heat inside. TV shows relatable and specials and music. Food and Families... i grew in foster homes. With biological family ties. Traveling with both. And snow loads of real snow Upstate New York. Wow Thanks for this

[@gregwilliams3120]

You're right. The 60s were a great time to be a kid. And the Christmases were awesome. Lite Brite, Johnny Astro, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, and always a Beatles album!

[@julienielsen3746]

We got our first color TV in 1964. So, I got to see those specials in color. Going for a drive at night looking at Christmas lights on houses and the decorations downtown at night.. Not as many houses had lights, and they were the old fashion larger bulbs. Then the year after The Charlie Brown Christmas was was shown someone cut out and painted a large Peanuts display from plywood. And put lights on it. That was cool back then.

[@marygrummer9189]

I was born in ‘53. Looks like we had very similar memories of Christmas. The photos you showed looked like our family Christmas photos. I don’t remember ever getting a toy that required batteries. And no color tv! My grandkids think I grew up in the stone age! 🎄

[@douglasbarnett2909]

Christmas was absolutely more magical back then but not because the gifts were better or the tv shows were new but families were closer and happier. Also the panther on top of the tv brought back a lot of memories. I think everyone had one of those at some point

[@wolfhodgkinson6866]

Tinker Toys. Lincoln Logs. American Bricks. Erector Sets. My absolute favorite gifts at Christmas. Granma could add to my American Bricks every year and I loved it. They were the precursor of Lego's.

[@Utube-l1p]

I was born in 1955, I still remember my childhood Christmas 🎄 my older brother and sister always went out to gather Holly from a nearby field. The tree was put up 2 weeks before Xmas, always a real one. I can still smell the pine from it. 😊 🎄🤶 I'm 68yrs old now and I still love Xmas...it's a magical time. ❤