Ep 1. The 60s

In this episode of Christmas Through the Decades, we take a trip back to the swinging '60s for a nostalgic look at how people celebrated the holidays during this decade of social change and upheaval.

From classic toys like Barbie and G.I. Joe to the rise of the Beatles and the popularity of The Andy Williams Christmas Album, the sixties were a decade of innovation and creativity in music, fashion, and popular culture. And Christmas was no exception.

We'll explore the ways in which families decorated their homes for the holidays, from the popular aluminum Christmas trees with rotating lights to the kitschy decorations inspired by TV specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

We'll also take a look at the most popular Christmas gifts and toys of the decade, including Easy-Bake Ovens, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, and Frisbees. And we'll see how the growing influence of television advertising and technology changed the way we shopped for Christmas presents.

Of course, no trip back to the sixties would be complete without a look at the music of the era. We'll see how classic Christmas songs like "White Christmas" were still popular, but new holiday hits from bands like The Beach Boys and The Supremes were also gaining popularity.

Finally, we'll see how the social and political changes of the decade affected the way people celebrated Christmas. From the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War, the sixties were a time of great upheaval and change - but the spirit of Christmas still managed to shine through.

With interviews from historians, cultural experts, and those who lived through the era, this episode of Christmas Through the Decades is a fascinating and nostalgic look back at one of the most exciting and transformative decades in American history.