In many ways, Christmas is the same as it has always been. Too many weird family members, disappointing gifts, and useless stress during what it supposed to be a happy time. The only difference is these days, kids are getting VR rigs instead of record players.
But Christmas looks different. That cramped, colorful, cluttered homely mess of old has been replaced by an Instagram-curated "aesthetic."
Here are 25 holiday photos from the 1970s, when Christmas actually looked like Christmas.
1
Heavy on the Tinsel
Rocking out in 1976.
2
The Life of the Party
Christmas in the 1970s.
3
Christmas 1970
“Neenah, Wisconsin at my Grandparents house.”
4
In a Boat
Family with their Christmas tree, 1970s.
5
Electric Football
The best gift of 1971.
6
“Our first Christmas”
1978.
7
Minimalist Look
Is this cool or lazy?
8
Funny Gifts
Weird looking toy, but happy kid.
9
Fantasy Fur Christmas Decorations
Ad from 1973.
10
Peak Gifting
A bike and a trike.
11
Open Your Eyes!
A slightly awkward family photo.
12
Pose for the Photo
An elderly couple in the early ‘70s.
13
Posing by the Tree
1970s photo.
14
“Our Christmas Presents”
“My brother and I really liked The Fonz,” late 1970s.
15
Office Christmas Party
They don’t do it like this anymore.
16
A Record Player
Fantastic gift.
17
“My Family's Christmas”
A packed house in the ‘70s.
18
Nobody is Happy
Christmas in the ‘70s.
19
High Holidays
Wait, this is Christmas.
20
Aluminum Tree
Celebrations of the ‘70s.
21
An Interesting Gift
Unwrapping in the ‘70s.
22
Boys in Glasgow
And their ‘70s Christmas presents.
23
“My Grandmother”
Around Christmas time.
24
Christmas Card Photo
Washington, 1970.
25
Post-Christmas
New York in the early ‘70s.
