The official photos with Santa – once called ‘sitting on Santa’s lap’ – has been around for generations. Here’s a look back at this Christmas ritual!
1977
There’s a reason that advertising has evolved over the decades – and these bad vintage Christmas ads from years ago show you exactly why!
Crisp, freshly-baked spicy cookies, made from these classic gingersnap recipes, are sure to entice the whole family.
In the 1974 Rankin-Bass holiday spectacle, The Year Without a Santa Claus, the unforgettable Heat Miser & Snow Miser captured imaginations with their signature musical showdown. See it here!
See vintage Christmas decorations 1960s and 70s families used to light up the holidays — from homemade trees to bright outdoor candles and festive centerpieces.
Vintage Christmas TV specials were as much a part of the holiday as gifts and Christmas trees. Millions of people – especially kids – looked forward to them year after year. Look at more than 100 of these classics.
This exceptional Bacardi rum cake is a pudding cake baked in a ring pan, and flavored with Bacardi dark dry rum. You may be surprised at how easy it is to get an elegant cake – perfect for the holidays!
Make a double batch of these chicken meatballs with cranberry glaze – serve what you need, and freeze the rest for a spur-of-the-moment party.
A shrimp Christmas tree appetizer is a scene-stealer and a real buffet beauty, certain to cast a special charm over any holiday party – yet so easy to do! Here’s how.
Get seven sassy snack mix how-tos from yesteryear, including the granddaddy of them all: the original Chex mix recipe!
Frosty, the famous snowguy turned into a jolly, happy soul, starred in the vintage animated Christmas special, Frosty the Snowman, narrated by Jimmy Durante.
Try this tasty and easy recipe from the early 1960s for old-fashioned rolled sugar cookie cutouts, accompanied below by step-by-step photos!
Did you know that Silly Putty was originally marketed to adults? Read on for more interesting tidbits about this fun and magical stuff!
Chevy Chevelle cars from the ’60s and ’70s brought big power and bold style to the mid-size market. See how these classics defined American driving fun.
Though many have tried, no cook has ever been able to improve upon the taste of traditional pumpkin pie. Carnation’s famous pumpkin pie recipe is a Thanksgiving classic – and we have the ’50s recipe right here.
To many Americans living south of the Mason-Dixon line, sweet potatoes must be made with marshmallows! Here are 6 ways to make old-fashioned marshmallow sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving side dish!
More than good, Libby’s pumpkin pie is smooth, gently spicy, and perfect! Get the classic pie you love – the original vintage recipe is right here, with our very own step-by-step photos to guide you.
Separate beds in the 1950s weren’t just for movies — real couples, doctors, and censors all had opinions on how married people should sleep.
These pinecone cheese ball recipes are the ultimate decorative old-school appetizer spread! Find out how to make them here.
These cheap vintage Halloween masks & costumes proved that when you spent a couple bucks to get ready for trick-or-treating, you got what you paid for. But the kids? They loved it.
Halloween greeting cards made especially for children became popular in the 1970s – most far more sweet than scary. Look back at these vintage Halloween cards for kids from the ’70s and ’80s!
When it comes to ready-to-wear 70s costumes, you basically have two style choices: Hippie or Disco Styles. We’ve picked some of our favorites modern-day takes on the era so you can dress up and get on down!
The movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind redefined sci-fi in 1977 and sparked new interest in UFOs, aliens, and government secrets.
Charlie Brown? Check. Grinch? Yep. You can also see how Johnny Depp, Elvira, Martin Lawrence & Tom Hanks got into the holiday spirit years ago on these vintage Halloween TV specials.
Pepsi-Cola history began in a North Carolina drugstore in 1893 and grew through decades of quirky slogans and everyday moments across America.
Scooby Doo fans, here’s how a goofy cartoon dog and his mystery-solving gang turned a 1969 TV debut into decades of iconic pop culture moments.
Popcorn balls were a holiday and party favorite for decades. See how these sticky-sweet treats became a go-to homemade snack in vintage America.
See how Halloween costume patterns from the 1970s helped families sew creative costumes with superheroes, animals, and more homemade classics.
Explore 1970s restaurants: fast food boom, sit-down spots with flair and photos showing how America dined in the ’70s.
See the history of the Buick Skylark from the ’60s to the ’90s, with vintage photos and ads that show how this classic car kept changing with the times.
Big screen TV once meant something very different. From 17-inch Crosleys to giant projection sets, see how “big” looked from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Hilarious vintage ads from the ‘60s to ‘80s show how brands used humor, awkward charm, and bold claims to sell just about anything.
Explore teen fashions through the decades and see how high school style shaped identity, cliques, and culture from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Remember that little toy from the 70s where you pressed on the back with your finger and it changed colors? Find out about Space Fidgits here.
Explore real 1970s bathroom decor with wild colors, bold patterns and sunken tubs that made home bathrooms totally unforgettable.
Cracker Jack became a pop culture icon with its caramel popcorn, peanuts and surprise prizes. See how this vintage snack won America’s heart.
Discover the most popular dog names from the 1950s to the 1970s, collected from vintage records, contests and real-life hero pups.
In 1965, Instant Quaker Oatmeal hit grocery store shelves, and so was born a popular hot breakfast cereal that has lasted more than 50 years.
In both 1975 and 1978, singer Helen Reddy took national magazine photographers on tours of her California home, which was full of music, plants and country charm. Here’s a look inside!
Discover how Free to Be… You and Me brought big stars, bold ideas and timeless songs together to inspire a generation of kids in the 1970s.
Ruby Slipper Jello bundt cake is a retro 1970s dessert with raspberry swirls baked in for flavor and fun, topped with a simple powdered sugar finish.
General Mills’ vintage Breakfast Squares from the 70s promised a complete meal in two frosted bars — though sugar and shortening topped the ingredient list.
Step back in time with vintage McDonald’s photos, menus and ads from the 1950s through the 1990s, capturing decades of classic fast food history.
Remember Village Lip Lickers? These retro flavored lip gloss tins from the ‘70s and ‘80s are back in the spotlight with a nostalgic look at their history.
Take a nostalgic look back at the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, the school tests, badges, and certificates that defined PE class from the 1960s to 1980s.
Far out! Check out these vintage portable radios – like the Panasonic Toot-A-Loop and others from the seventies that came in crazy shapes and colors.
Turn a regular cake mix into a really rich and moist sour cream pudding pound cake with some Jell-o lemon instant pudding mix. Here’s the retro recipe!
Explore Dr Pepper history from its quirky origin story to its fizzy rise as America’s oldest major soft drink.
Disco dancing was characterized by a casual, controlled, rhythmic movement of the whole body, with a pulsing vertical motion through the knees. Try some of the top moves!
Saturday Night Fever flashback: How John Travolta turned disco into unforgettable movie magic (1977)
John Travolta’s charismatic moves in Saturday Night Fever didn’t just light up the dance floor — they ignited a cultural craze. Let’s revisit the phenomenon!
What were mutts and pedigreed pups eating in the ’40s-’80s? Here’s a look back at vintage dog food print ads & TV commercials you might remember.
One of the most expensive films at the time, the Superman movie, starring Christopher Reeve, was a slick, extremely classy, altogether first-rate production.
Burger King — the nation’s fastest-growing chain of self-service restaurants — is so delightfully different, no wonder it has caught America’s fancy!
Donna Summer burst onto the disco scene in the 1970s with a bang – her four #1 singles all reached the top chart spot within 13 months of each other – including ‘I Feel Love.’
Here, take a look back at this collection of gorgeous designs and styles of vintage canopy beds that were popular the seventies. Some are some classic and elegant, others modern and breezy, and many fabulously frilly.
Companies promoted it. Celebrities touted it. Everyday people paid attention, and then spent hours in the sun, trying to get the perfect suntan.
Who would’ve thought humble roots, herbs, and bark could spin such an effervescent tale? The history of root beer is both intriguing and surprising – take a look!
Ceiling wallpaper made bold statements in the 70s — and it’s making a quiet comeback. See vintage looks and get step-by-step how-to tips from the era.
Remember these vintage above-ground pools – the kind that were big enough to actually swim in, but that you didn’t need to dig a big hole for?
Here are some vintage tips for how to tie-dye clothes, right from the 60s & 70s. The results are vibrant patterns, from geometric to lush organic effects.
Somewhere in that golden haze after Sesame Street, there was a little TV show called New Zoo Revue. Take a look back to that oh-so-retro kids’ show here!
Take a look back at these beautiful vintage 1970s bedspreads — cozy designs with retro patterns, bright colors, and added texture from things like quilting, embroidery and fringe.
Vintage Fisher-Price Little People made their debut in the 1950s, and they have been insanely popular with kids ever since! Let’s reminisce.
How The Waltons, a quiet Depression-era family drama, overcame doubts and tough competition to become one of the most beloved shows on 1970s TV.
50 years ago, the coolest vintage banana seat bikes for kids also had bright colors, high handlebars and slick rear tires. Check ’em out here!
How much does real story of The Sound of Music differ from the movie version of the von Trapp family? Take a look back at the hugely-successful musical based on their lives, and find out both fact and fiction.
The 1970s personal computer revolution began as those ingenious devices that put men on the moon, revolutionized science, and perplexed millions were finding their way into the home.
The year 1977 was quite the momentous one for the Indianapolis 500 – in part because driver Janet Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for the great race. Find out more about her here.
This Jell-O Gazpacho Jiggler salad is a gelatin version of gazpacho. It’s also dished up cold, but has the veggies and Worcestershire sauce suspended in a bouncy lemon Jello base.
BMX bikes from the 70s and 80s brought speed, stunts and serious fun — take a look back at the bikes that made every kid feel like a champ.
’70s hairstyles were feathery – shiny – bouncy. Here are some real vintage tips from salon experts so women in the disco decade could always keep their hair stylish.
If you were a mid-century suburban kid you likely had a tubular metal swing set like one of these! Check out this nostalgia trip back to the backyards of your childhood.
Take a look back this collection of old office cubicles and company layouts from the 1970s to see what it was like to work in America’s corporate 9-to5 world a few decades ago.
See how vintage library checkout cards and due date cards kept libraries organized for decades — a simple system that made borrowing books easy and fun.
Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Discover vintage kitchen design ideas from the 1940s to 1980s that blended style and creativity — and see why some old trends might deserve a comeback.
Years ago, kids loved weekends because they could catch up on their favorite Saturday morning cartoons & TV shows. Here’s a look back!
General Foods International Coffee ads from the ’70s and ’80s had cozy vibes, sweet flavors and a jingle you still can’t get out of your head.
Remember these classic 70s things? See the furniture, decor and everyday items that made 1970s homes unique, colorful, and totally unforgettable.
Find some elegantly vintage Easter egg crafts and artsy inspiration right here! The ideas may be old, but they’ll probably seem new to you.
Bake an overnight bag for the Easter bunny, and something to put in it: An adorable retro-style salt dough Easter bread basket!
Believe it or not, retro Easter candy like chocolate Easter bunnies, creme eggs, jelly beans and Peeps candy didn’t exist at all prior to the 20th century. Here’s a look back at what the bunny has been bringing.
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
Occasionally, top TV show theme songs aren’t just popular – they join the soundtrack of a generation. These 16 hits won acclaim for being more than being the tune played over opening credits. Have a listen!
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets – charming tables, chairs, chaises and more – were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
As you prepare for your Easter celebration, check out these vintage Easter egg decorating ideas! There are probably a few you remember… and maybe one or two you haven’t seen!
See how decorating with frosting and cute little marshmallow flowers can turn angel food cakes into happiness you can eat!
See the 1977 Ford cars: New action-stripe Pintos, sassy sweet-handling Mustang IIs, tricked up trucks and fancy vans. Thunderbirds and LTD IIs in new spring colors. Even a sportier Granada.
Television history goes back farther than most people think. Here’s how early inventors built the first TV sets–and why it took a team to pull it off.
The history of Levi’s jeans shows that the power of a really good idea – like super-durable clothing that people like to wear – can make for a business that stays strong for more than 160 years.
The original vintage Slinky toy was an all-metal spring that thrilled kids by ‘walking’ down stairs. Invented by accident back in the forties, it’s one of the classic toys that has stood the test of time.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes: The story of how a simple shake became a holiday tradition (1970s & 80s)
McDonald’s shamrock shakes have been a St. Patrick’s Day favorite for decades. Here’s the surprising history behind this minty green fast-food classic.
Step back in time with our collection of retro St Patrick’s Day cards, capturing the lively spirit and celebrations of the 1970s and 80s.
Misheard lyrics have fooled music fans for years — turns out, “Hold me closer, Tony Danza” was never right. See the funniest lyric mistakes from classic hits!
Prell shampoo was popular since its introduction in the 1940s, and was best-known for being bright emerald green. Here, see how the product – and the brand’s message – changed from the ’40s to the ’80s!
The 50s and 60s were the glory days for old drive-in movie theaters, when there were about 4000 such venues spread across the country. Take a look back!
The ’70s TV classic ‘Match Game’ redefined the modern game show. It went against convention, appealed to a younger, hipper audience and ushered in a new era of television.
In the 70s, stainless steel or copper cookware wasn’t enough – people wanted retro pots and pans for their kitchen in all of the latest colors and patterns. Take a peek inside those old kitchen cabinets!
