Ep 4. The 90's

Christmas Through the Decades is a historical series that explores how Christmas has evolved and changed in America over the years. Season 1, episode 4 is titled "The 90's," and it takes the viewers on a journey through the final decade of the 20th century. The episode features expert interviews, archival footage, and personal stories to showcase the festive traditions, foods, gifts, and music that were popular during the 90s.

The episode starts with a brief overview of how the 80s ended with a recession and how the 90s began with hope and optimism. The 90s were marked by the rise of technology, fashion, multiculturalism, and environmentalism, all of which had a significant impact on the way people celebrated Christmas. The episode highlights how these changes were reflected in the pop culture, TV shows, movies, and commercials that dominated the decade.

The episode then delves into the various Christmas traditions that were popular in the 90s. The viewers get to see how the holiday season kicked off with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by Black Friday shopping, decorating the house with lights and inflatables, watching classic holiday movies like Home Alone, and baking cookies and treats. The episode features interviews with chefs who share their tips for making the perfect holiday cookies, and how baking became a symbol of love and togetherness during the 90s. The episode also covers the explosion of Christmas-themed sitcom episodes that appeared on TV in the 90s, with examples from classic shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Another significant aspect of the 90s Christmas was the influence of technology. The episode highlights how the arrival of the internet, cell phones, and video games changed the way people shopped, communicated, and even decorated for the holidays. Viewers get to see how popular toys like Tamagotchis, Nintendos, and Beanie Babies transformed the toy industry and became the go-to gifts of the decade. There are also interviews with experts who talk about how the internet made holiday shopping easier and more accessible, and how e-cards replaced traditional greeting cards and letters.

The music and entertainment of the 90s Christmas season is also a major focus of the episode. The viewers get to see the rise of boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, who dominated the music scene during the holidays. The episode also features interviews with performers who share their memories of performing at major holiday events like the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and the Disney World Christmas Parade. The episode also covers the annual broadcast of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which continued to be a staple of the season in the 90s.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the impact of the 90s on Christmas traditions. The viewers get to see how the 90s paved the way for the modern, tech-driven holiday season we know today. The episode also highlights how the 90s represented a time of transition and optimism, and how people held onto traditional values and family time during the season. Overall, "The 90s" is a nostalgic and informative look at how Christmas evolved during an era of change and innovation.