Christmas Through the Decades

Christmas Through the Decades is an enchanting exploration of our holiday traditions, delivered through the lens of U.S. history. This four-part documentary series premiered on the History channel in 2015. As the title indicates, this show guides viewers on a nostalgic journey of Christmas celebrations in America, covering various decades from the 1960s to the 2000s. Each episode focuses on a distinctive decade, delving into the underlying historical context, prevalent culture, consumer trends, music, and movies that defined the holiday seasons during these years.

Viewers are taken through a time capsule that features the transformation of Christmas festivities and rituals over the years. From the decorations that adorned households, the gifts that nestled under the tree, to the popular Christmas music and food, the show provides a comprehensive look at how the holiday season evolved over the years. It also tracks significant historical events and technological advancements that shaped each decade, providing an intriguing snapshot into the crucible within which these traditions were uniquely molded.

Beyond shedding light on holiday festivities, Christmas Through the Decades touches on the socio-political issues and events that occurred during these different periods. Viewers are granted profound insights into how the country’s response to pivotal events such as the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon's presidency, and the dawn of the Information Age influenced the Christmas culture. The show accomplishes this by featuring interviews with historians, pop culture experts, and celebrities who lived in these decades. One could find it fascinating to see Christmas's role in boosting wartime morale, or how it was commercialized during times of economic prosperity, or even how technological advancements transformed the idea of an ideal gift.

In the episode about the 60s, the show explores the cultural shifts of one of history's most turbulent decades; how amid the civil rights movement, Vietnam war and the peace protests, Christmas traditions began taking on a new shape. It showcases how the arrival of color TVs revolutionized the nation's viewing habits and gave birth to legendary Christmas specials.

The 70's episode dives into the impacts of the oil crisis and inflation, explaining how those circumstances led to the creation of ingenious homemade gifts and decorations—the decade marked by bell-bottoms, disco, and The Godfather also witnessed a surge in DIY Christmas crafts. Star Wars figures make an appearance as well in this episode, highlighting the beginning of the era of blockbuster movie merchandise making their way into kids’ Christmas wishlists.

When it comes to the 80s, viewers are treated to an era marked by the emergence of affordable electronic gadgets and home computers. It expounds on how Reagan-era policies impacted the holiday season and how every child dreamt of finding Cabbage Patch Kids under their Christmas tree.

Finally, the series rounds off with the 90’s, an era defined by unprecedented technological advancements that drastically changed our lifestyle and, of course, our holiday traditions. This episode reveals the frenzy over Tickle Me Elmo dolls and the trend of online shopping which since has become an integral part of holiday shopping craze.

The show also offers a dose of nostalgia in the form of vintage commercials and past Christmas TV specials. Compiled into a neat holiday package, the show is a treat for history buffs and Christmas fanatics alike.

Christmas Through the Decades is a sentimental journey that stirs a sense of nostalgia while painting a vivid panorama of America's history. In retrospect, one gets to appreciate the evolution of Christmas celebrations, identifying familiar elements that have stayed with us and respecting the changing dynamics that shaped this festival over time. It's a TV documentary series that offers both entertainment and education—an intriguing exploration that goes beyond tinsel and lights, highlighting the role of Christmas as an ever-evolving reflection of American culture and society. It's a unique amalgamation of history and holiday spirit, making it a must-watch every holiday season.