The 1970’s
Menu-wise things hadn’t changed a great deal since the 60’s, though there were new additions to the daily menu such as Twiglets, after 8 mints and consuming liqueurs became more common.
Musically, The Jackson Five, Elvis and The Eagles were bringing joy to many over the festive season. The original Miracle on 34th Street was an accessible film choice in the UK at this time, a film in which Santa must prove his existence, which he does so by producing a coin which says, ‘in God we trust’ and based a similar argument around the terminology to counter the courts. The term Santa became more popular and in visions of the jolly bearded fellow in red velvet leading a team of flying reindeer in the night sky danced through the minds of the innocent. Of course, Coca Cola in the 1930’s was the brand behind Santa’s PR image to endorse their products, but in the 70’s access to American films was easier in Great Britain. Other Hollywood films were broadcast to the UK populace such as The Wizard of Oz and The Charles Dicken’s adaption from book to film – A Christmas Carol.
Nativity plays had become popular in schools with youngsters vying for the chance to play Joseph or Mary, or one of the three wisemen, rather than ‘villager 3.’ It is said, if you got to play a sheep or a tree it was a dashing disappointment that lasted only until the excitement of hitting the stage and being the best pretend sheep or tree that ever existed!
Now this will be our last stop before I take you home to 2024, which is your current year, time traveller. I’m going to take you back to the decade when I was a but a mere whippersnapper and share with you my Christmas Past. As it’s our last stop, do pull open the cabinet in the side of the ship and pour yourself a generous brandy. You’ll find a few decadent mince pies baked in shortcrust pastry in the side, do help yourself but ensure to spare one for Father Christmas as we sit back and let’s see a brief snippet of Christmas in the 80’s, as I plan to take you on another tour in future.
