Create a charming, old-fashioned holiday this year with these 1950s Christmas traditions.
8 Retro Holiday Traditions that Deserve a Comeback
Updated Jan. 29, 2024
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Christmas Cookie Exchange
Exchanging holiday cookies with neighbors has been around for centuries, but the cookie swap party saw a rise in popularity in the early 1960s. The way it works is all the attendees bake a set number of their favorite holiday cookies. At the party, everyone divvies up the cookies evenly and gets to go home with everyone’s delicious creations. Here’s how to host a sweet cookie exchange.
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Elaborate Jell-O Salads
In the 1950s, people dared to ask the question, “Can a salad also be a dessert?” We love this lime and strawberry Layered Christmas Dessert, but don’t miss these other jiggly Jell-O salads perfect for your holiday spread.
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Popcorn Garland
In the 1950s and 60s, it was popular for families to create the popcorn garland together, munching on the leftovers as they worked. Combine your own popcorn garland with these food-related ornaments for a fun food-themed tree.
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Orange Stocking Stuffers
You, your parents, or your grandparents probably have memories of waking up on Christmas morning to find a fresh orange in the toe of their stocking. Along with small toys and sweet candies, an orange is a refreshing and wholesome surprise. Here’s what Christmas looked like the year you were born.
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Watching the Yule Log
The TV broadcast of the burning “Yule Log” began in 1966 when the program was created by the general manager at New York’s WPIX. He wanted to give his employees time off for Christmas, and bring the traditional fireplace experience to viewers. Today you can play a version on Netflix.
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Aluminum Christmas Tree
The Aluminum Specialty Company manufactured more than a million aluminum trees between 1959 and 1969. Ready for your own shimmering silver tree? You can buy a modern day version, which are made from PVC plastic, and available at most retail stores. Pair it with these other vintage Christmas decorations.
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Making a Casserole
The 1950s was a booming time for casseroles. The famous Green Bean Casserole debuted in 1955, created by Campbell Soup Company in order to promote its cream soups. Try this Jazzed Up Green Bean Casserole for something a little different this year.
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Old-Fashioned Pineapple Ham
Forget the turkey—1950s Christmas dinner was all about ham. Spiral sliced ham glazed with sugar, adorned with canned pineapples and maraschino cherries was the preferred method. Hawaiian tourism and the rise of the luau party were part of the craze. Recreate it with our classic baked ham recipe.
Originally Published: November 20, 2019
