Ep 190. Christmas Through the Decades: The 60s

Christmas Through the Decades: The 60s is the 190th episode of the special series called History Specials. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the holiday season of the 1960s. The episode explores the ways in which Christmas was celebrated during this era, including the traditions, customs, and social changes that occurred during this time.

The episode begins by setting the scene of the 1960s, highlighting the political and social events that shaped the decade, such as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the emergence of the counterculture. From there, viewers are transported to the holiday season of the 60s, where they discover how Christmas was celebrated in this period.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to various cultural touchstones of the era, such as Elvis Presley's Christmas album and the classic Christmas TV specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas. The episode also delves into the popular toys and gifts of the time, showcasing iconic products such as Barbie dolls and Easy-Bake ovens.

However, Christmas Through the Decades: The 60s doesn’t just focus on the glitz and glamour of the era. It also explores the changes and challenges that were happening across the country, such as the growing divides between generations and the increasing tensions caused by the Vietnam War. Viewers will learn how these changes affected the ways in which Christmas was celebrated, such as the rise of alternative celebrations and the emphasis on charitable acts.

The episode also takes a closer look at the holiday TV commercials of the 1960s, which were often just as popular as the programs themselves. Through these commercials, viewers gain an understanding of how advertisers targeted and appealed to different audiences during the holiday season.

As the episode progresses, viewers will learn more about the ways in which families would come together during the holiday season, such as the emphasis on home-cooked meals and the tradition of sending Christmas cards. The episode also explores the changing role of women during this time, and how this affected the ways in which they celebrated Christmas.

The episode ends by reflecting on the legacy of the decade and how its traditions and customs have influenced the way in which Christmas is celebrated today. It invites viewers to take the time to appreciate the cultural impact of this era and to consider how it has shaped our modern holiday traditions.

In conclusion, Christmas Through the Decades: The 60s is an engaging and informative episode that takes viewers on a journey through an iconic decade of American culture. Viewers are given a fascinating insight into the ways in which Christmas was celebrated during this period, exploring everything from popular toys and gifts to the customs and traditions of the time. Through its insights and reflections, the episode provides a valuable understanding of how the 1960s has influenced and shaped our modern perceptions of the holiday season.