It was a simpler time filled with sock hops and soda shops. Where optimism + merriment were found on every corner and the whole world felt a little brighter. Today we remember scenes from those happy Christmas days with a list inspired by Perry Como’s song, “A - You’re Adorable”, because, alphabetically speaking, we think Christmas in the 50s was A-Okay!
- Aluminum Trees and color wheels.
- Bubble Lights all aglow.
- Cocktail Party Canapés on a Holt Howard tray.
- Dean Martin’s ring-a-ding rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”.
- Elvis’ Christmas Album. Man, that dreamboat could sing!
- “Frosty the Snowman”, Fruitcakes and Fa La La La La.
- Green Bean Casserole from Campbell’s 1955 Cream of Mushroom soup recipe.
- Happy little faces pressed against a delightfully decorated department store window.
- Ivory Snow soap flakes whipped into flocking for the tree.
- Jingle Bell Rockin’, Jivin’, Hoppin’, Twistin’ and Strollin’ around the Christmas tree.
- Kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe.
- Lemon Drop Kid at the drive-in. This Bob Hope classic featured the debut of “Silver Bells”. (Bing’s version was first to market, but that’s another story)
- Molds of every shape and size for Mom’s meals made with Jell-O.
- Nat King Cole, the voice that’s loved by kids from 1 to 92.
- Oceans of Ambrosia in towers of Tupperware.
- Parades welcoming the season with a flurry of floats and fun.
- Quenching Yuletide thirsts with Martinis + Pink Squirrels.
- Roy Rogers Super Deluxe 6-Shooter Set, with pajamas to match, tucked under the tree. (There’s a bejeweled Dale Evans set for sister, too!)
- Shiny Brites that made our spirits bright.
- T-Birds, Tinsel, and Train Tracks under the tree.
- Unwrapping your biggest present first.
- Vinyl platters stacked high on the HiFi Player.
- Wishbook wishing and Christmas list making.
- Xylophones by Fisher Price for tiny tots on Santa’s list.
- Yummy yams topped with melty marshmallows.
- Zagnut Bars hiding in your stocking alongside a new toothbrush too.
Written by Pam Metziere
The ABCs of A Retro Christmas List inspired us to create more fun ways to enjoy this perfect piece of Holiday prose. Click the images below to shop the wall art + goods that were inspired by it. All designed and illustrated by the Retro Christmas Card Company artist, Diane Dempsey. Find these good on her website: http://diane-dempsey-design-studio.com
