12 Holiday Traditions from the ’70s That Have Almost Disappeared

Step back in time to a holiday season filled with shimmering tinsel, crackling vinyl records, and the warm glow of multi-colored lights. The 1970s were an era of joyful traditions, creative decorations, and quirky customs that made the season truly magical.

From homemade ornaments to caroling with neighbors, the holidays were less about convenience and more about togetherness, creativity, and simple pleasures. But as the years have passed, many of these festive traditions have faded into nostalgia, replaced by modern trends and technology.

Let’s revisit some of the beloved holiday rituals that once defined the season and see how they shaped the way we celebrated.

1. Tinsel-Covered Trees

There was a time when Christmas trees shimmered like disco balls, thanks to endless strands of silver tinsel. Throughout the ’70s, families decked out their evergreens with glistening metallic strands, creating a dazzling spectacle that reflected the glow of twinkling lights.

Tinsel was easy to use, festive, and oh-so-glamorous, perfectly matching the bold and shiny aesthetic of the decade. But as time passed, concerns about environmental waste and the mess it created led to its decline. Today, more natural, minimalist tree decor has taken over.

For those who remember, though, the sight of tinsel instantly brings back memories of magical holiday nights, when the simple act of tossing handfuls of it onto a tree made Christmas feel extra special.

2. Fruitcake Exchanges

Love it or loathe it, the fruitcake was once a holiday gift-giving staple. Wrapped in festive foil and packed with candied fruit, nuts, and a generous splash of brandy, this dense loaf was passed around like an unspoken holiday dare.

In the ’70s, fruitcakes weren’t just treats—they were symbols of tradition and generosity. Many families even had secret recipes passed down through generations, ensuring each cake was as unique as the person baking it.

However, as tastes changed, so did attitudes toward fruitcake. The once-beloved dessert became the punchline of countless jokes, and today, it’s more likely to be a holiday gag gift than a cherished treat. But for those who remember its heyday, a bite of fruitcake still brings back warm holiday nostalgia.

3. Handmade Ornaments

Before mass-produced decorations filled store shelves, families made their own ornaments by hand. Whether it was popsicle stick snowflakes, pipe cleaner candy canes, or felt Santa faces, the joy of decorating came not just from hanging ornaments—but from making them together.

Crafting ornaments brought families closer and gave Christmas trees a unique, personalized touch. Glue, glitter, and sequins covered kitchen tables for weeks leading up to the holidays as children created masterpieces that would be treasured for years.

Today, the handmade tradition has largely been replaced by store-bought decorations and themed trees, but some families still keep the tradition alive, adding a personal touch to the holiday season.

4. Caroling Gatherings

Once upon a time, the holidays weren’t complete without a group of bundled-up carolers singing outside your door. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers joined together to spread holiday cheer, often collecting donations for local charities.

Caroling wasn’t just about the music—it was about community, connection, and the joy of bringing people together. But as times changed, neighborhoods grew quieter, and impromptu caroling became a rarity.

Although the tradition still lingers in a few spirited communities, the days of spontaneous door-to-door caroling have mostly been replaced by holiday playlists and digital singalongs.

5. Popcorn Garland Making

Forget pre-lit garlands—back in the ’70s, many families spent hours stringing popcorn and cranberries to create a festive, homemade decoration.

This DIY holiday craft was a simple, inexpensive way to decorate trees, and it perfectly fit the decade’s appreciation for natural, earthy aesthetics. Plus, the process of making the garlands was a holiday activity in itself, often done while watching Christmas specials by the fire.

Though charming, popcorn garlands eventually faded in favor of store-bought decorations, but they remain a nostalgic symbol of old-fashioned holiday fun.

6. Pine Cone Crafts

The ’70s were all about DIY holiday decor, and one of the easiest (and most abundant) craft supplies? Pine cones!

Kids would collect them from the backyard, then spray-paint them gold or silver, sprinkle on glitter, and glue on tiny bows to create festive ornaments or centerpieces.

These handmade crafts added a rustic charm to holiday décor, but as commercial decorations became more affordable and elaborate, the simple beauty of pine cone crafts faded.

However, those who grew up in the ’70s still smile at the memory of glue-covered fingers and the satisfying crunch of glitter underfoot.

7. Holiday Record Parties

Before streaming and curated holiday playlists, music lovers gathered around the record player, dropping the needle on their favorite holiday albums.

Whether it was Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or The Jackson 5’s holiday hits, spinning vinyl was a full experience—the crackle of the record, the anticipation between songs, and the warm, rich sound that digital music just can’t replicate.

While vinyl has made a comeback, the tradition of entire families listening to holiday albums together has mostly faded, replaced by Spotify playlists and Bluetooth speakers.

8. Santa’s Telegrams

Long before video calls and personalized Santa apps, kids were delighted to receive an official-looking telegram from Santa himself.

These telegrams, often beautifully printed and sealed, added a touch of magic and excitement to the season. But as technology advanced, the tradition was replaced by emails, digital greetings, and even pre-recorded Santa phone calls.

Still, for those who once held a Santa telegram in their hands, the memory of its arrival remains a cherished part of their childhood holidays.

9. Holiday TV Specials

Before on-demand streaming and DVR, families gathered around the TV at a set time to watch classic holiday specials.

Whether it was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or Frosty the Snowman, these animated classics were highly anticipated events—miss it, and you’d have to wait an entire year for another chance.

Back then, watching a holiday special wasn’t just about the show—it was about the experience of cozying up on the couch, sipping cocoa, and sharing the moment with family.

While these specials are still around, the magic of “appointment TV” has disappeared, replaced by instant access on streaming platforms. The thrill of counting down the days until your favorite show aired? That’s what made it truly special.

10. Holiday Fondue Parties

In the ’70s, no holiday party was complete without a bubbling fondue pot in the center of the table.

Cheese fondue, chocolate fondue—it was all about dipping, dunking, and delicious fun. Guests would skewer pieces of bread, fruit, or marshmallows and swirl them in warm, melted goodness while engaging in lively conversation.

Fondue wasn’t just a meal; it was a social experience, an interactive way to bring people together.

But as entertaining trends shifted toward buffets and plated meals, fondue slowly faded from the holiday spotlight. Today, it’s more of a novelty or throwback party idea, but for those who remember, the excitement of communal dipping will always be a cherished memory.

11. Yule Log Viewing

For families without a real fireplace, the next best thing was the televised Yule Log—a simple yet mesmerizing video loop of a crackling fire.

Originally launched in the 1960s but hugely popular in the ’70s, this broadcast added a cozy, festive ambiance to living rooms across America.

The gentle flicker of flames, the soft sound of logs crackling—it was the perfect background to holiday gatherings. But as real fireplaces became more common and digital screens took over, the charm of the Yule Log faded.

Today, you can still find Yule Log videos online or on streaming services, but the magic of tuning in to the annual TV broadcast has largely disappeared.

12. Holiday Bake-Offs

Before baking competitions were reality TV staples, they were a fun family tradition in many ’70s households.

Moms, grandmas, and even kids would compete to see who could bake the best holiday cookies, cakes, or pies, with taste-testing as the final (and most delicious) stage of judging.

It wasn’t about winning—it was about laughter, friendly rivalry, and filling the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.

As store-bought holiday treats became more common, the tradition of homemade holiday bake-offs started to disappear.

While some families still keep it alive, the days of entire households turning into a festive bakery are largely a thing of the past.