The 1950’s to the 1980’s
We often hear people say, ‘Christmas has become so commercial now,’ and indeed it has. For many, it’s an ostentatious event to blow off some steam at the end of the year, the pressure to keep up with the latest trends with gadgets and toys, whilst others may be less fortunate, and even rely on charities who serve Christmas dinners on the most special day of the year.
Whether you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ or not, one thing that most of us luckier ones have in common is that it means it’s a chance for family to get together. I suspect a great number will be affected by austerity this Christmas and others will be luckier, but how has Christmas changed since the 1950’s and when did the commercial hype begin?
I had the pleasure of interviewing a small section of society from different backgrounds to compare Christmases throughout the years.
Step into my time machine, take a seat and get cosy. Relax into the soft velvet cushions, the colour of Rudolph’s crimson nose. I promise you will find them sumptuous. Now, peer through the window. I’m about to wipe the frost away and allow the following scene to unfold for you we hurtle down memory lane at full velocity.
The 1950’s
It’s the 1950’s. Exuberant little l’uns are jumping from their beds to see if they have been good this year and if Father Christmas has left them a present. American imperialism had yet to affect 25th December and the term ‘Santa’ had not been adopted by Brits.
Gifts were much simpler for the average family back then and wrapping paper mostly unheard of. Walnuts and satsumas were considered a delicacy and the greatest of treats. If you were very lucky – a toy would be included, such as a ball, a whistle or book, and these would all be stuffed into a pillowcase and left on the end of the bed – by the magical man in the sky of course – ho-ho-ho! Other gifts were handmade ranging from chutneys and jams through to knitted or crochet clothing.
As only 350,000 Brits owned a television set in the UK, families made their own entertainment and would tune into The Archers on BBC radio or play cards. A stark comparison to modern Britain whereby families argue over which of their favourite shows they should watch. Should it be Gavin & Stacey or Dr Who or a Christmas film? Well, it doesn’t really matter darling, you can simply record the others and enjoy them over a nice glass of sherry later!
Decorations in the 50’s would usually consist of handmade paper chains and a sparse tree with a few baubles hanging from it – a Pagan tradition that is said to be the influence of Prince Albert who displayed a decorated tree in 1848. Several recall candles being placed on piney boughs – that would be considered a total disaster in terms of safety nowadays. I can vividly picture an irate and overed stress mother shouting at her husband- “Why are you trying to set the tree on fire, you absolute buffoon”
It was not atypical for cockerels to be bred by households and eaten at Christmas time. Some remember vegetables being cooked in a pressure cooker until they were a bland mushy affair, while others remember Turkey or goose and all the trimmings. Christmas pudding has always been a popular heritage throughout the years.
Comprised from 13 ingredients, the fruity dessert symbolised Jesus and his apostles. A six-pence was tossed into the mix and whoever found it was said to have good tidings for the year ahead. Nowadays it’s rare to find a coin in a good old Christmas pud – there’s the worry of the choking hazard for one!
Did you enjoy being a fly on the wall my friend? Now let’s depart this dear scene as I press the button on my dashboard and take you ahead a decade.
