Reliving Nostalgic Christmas Memories from the 70's - They didn't include Pizza!!

Christmas in the 1970s held a special kind of magic. It was a time when families gathered closely, traditions were cherished, and simple pleasures created lasting memories. The holiday season was marked by familiar sights, smells, and tastes that still evoke warmth and nostalgia today. From attending church services to sharing a unique Christmas Eve dinner, the 70's offered a festive experience that blended together faith, food, and family in a way that feels timeless.

The Heart of Christmas: Church and Community

For our Family in the 70s, Christmas began with a visit to church on Christmas Eve. The Christmas Eve service was more than a ritual; it was a moment to reflect on the season’s meaning and connect with the mennonite community. I foundly remember our Church was often decorated with modest but meaningful touches—candles, wreaths, and always a nativity scene. The atmosphere was peaceful and reverent, and set the tone for the celebration to come.

Attending church together was a way for our family to pause from the busy preparations and focus on the spirit of Christmas. Hymns filled the Church, and the story of Christmas was shared always in a theartre play, and in a way that seemed to bring everyone closer. This tradition helped anchor the holiday in faith and gratitude, making our Christmas celebrations feel grounded and heartfelt.

A Christmas Eve Dinner Unlike Today’s Traditions

The Christmas Eve dinner for us in the 70s was quite different from the turkey or roast beef feasts common now. Our family enjoyed a simple but satisfying meal featuring cold ham, potato salad, and mouse soup - A soup made with plums. I am unsure of the German name for it, but we called it mouse soup, because the plums reminded us of mice. This combination might sound unusual today, but it was a beloved tradition that brought us all comfort and joy.

• Cold Ham

The ham was baked the day before and served cold, sliced thin, as that was our families preference. I can still recall how flavorful it was, and the cold meal allowed us more time for other holiday activities, like opening our gifts.

• Potato Salad

Creamy and tangy, potato salad was the staple side dish. Made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and sometimes chopped eggs, it complemented the ham perfectly, or so it seemed. I have always disliked potato salad, though I love both potatoes and eggds.

• Mouse Soup

Despite the name, mouse soup was a hearty but sweet soup, served cold, with plums resembling little mice. It was delicious and filling, and a family favorite.

• Fresh Bread and Christmas Oranges

Freshly baked bread was always on the table, and always homemade from my Grandma's loving hands. Years later, when she became blind, she could still make a perfect loaf of homemade bread, just by the feel of the dough in her hands. Christmas oranges, a seasonal treat, always added a sweet and refreshing finish to the meal.

Our dinner was simple but meaningful, and to me it emphasized togetherness over extravagance. It reflected the values of the time—making the most of what was available and enjoying the company of loved ones.

The Charm of Tinsel Christmas Trees

The Christmas tree was a central symbol of the holiday, and in the 70s, tinsel trees were especially popular. The fresh cut trees shimmered with metallic strands that caught the light beautifully. Unlike today’s natural or heavily decorated trees, tinsel trees had a futuristic, almost magical look.

Our family placed the tinsel tree in the living room, and it was surrounded by wrapped presents. The tree glowed, adding to the cozy atmosphere, inviting everyone to gather around it. For us children, the tinsel tree was a source of wonder, its sparkling branches reflecting the excitement of the season; or maybe the source of wonder was really the pile of wrapped gifts.

Family Gatherings and the Joy of Opening Presents

Christmas Eve was a time our whole family came together. My Grandma's and Grandpa's living room was filled with laughter, chatter, and the rustling of wrapping paper. Opening presents was a highlight for us kids, but it was more than just receiving gifts—it was about the shared experience.

It was a frenzy of gift opening. The presents were often simple, always thoughtful, and our joy came from the thought behind the gift rather than its value.

This tradition reinforced bonds and created memories that have lasted me a lifetime. The excitement of Christmas morning was balanced by the warmth of my families connection, making the holiday truly special. I sure do miss those days.

Why These Memories Still Matter

Looking back at Christmas in the 70s reminds me of the power of tradition and simplicity. The focus on faith, family, and meaningful rituals created a holiday experience that felt rich and fulfilling without needing extravagance.

This holiday season,these memories encourage me to slow down and appreciate the small moments—sharing a meal, sharing laughs, and simply being together. They also inspire me to create my own traditions that bring joy and connection to my family in today’s fast-paced world.

These nostalgic memories offer me a way to deepen the meaning of Christmas for my family.

From our Home to Yours, Merry Christmas. - The Banna's