The Christmas We Remember—But Gen Z Has Never Even Heard Of
There was an unparalleled magic to Christmas in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s that feels almost ethereal now. It was a time without smartphones, online wish lists and Instagram-perfect decor. There weren’t carefully curated colour palettes that changed year after year, forcing you to toss last year’s decor for this year’s hot trends. Holidays were slower, louder and, in a weird way, bigger. But this version of Christmas that we remember is one that Gen Z will never know. It’s one that Gen Z hasn’t ever experienced, and sadly, never will. Today we’re sharing traditions that we treasure dearly and why they’ve quietly slipped away.
Christmas Started On December 1, Not In October.
The Christmas season we knew started on December 1, and not ever in October. Shops used to wait until then to hang their tinsel, Christmas carols weren’t played on the radio before and school concerts didn’t kick off until the Christmas month rolled around. There was a clear boundary that made the season feel so special. Starting the holiday season early has put out some of the holiday magic that used to burn brightly. Gen Z will never understand the anticipation and build-up of Christmas.
Going to the Tree Lot Was a Whole Event
Before the rise of artificial trees and online shopping with next-day delivery, going to pick out the right Christmas tree was an event in itself. You had to bundle up warm, pile into the car and head to the farm. Families wandered between rows of evergreens and debated endlessly about which one was the fullest and the most beautiful. The chosen one was then tied to the roof of the vehicle with numerous messy knots. It was chaotic, cold and disorderly. Gen Z has it easy with online shopping, next-day delivery and even lights that are made into the trees. They’ll never understand the thrill of accessing each evergreen and deciding whether it was worthy to be your Christmas tree or not.
The Joy of Catalogue Shopping
The Christmas we remember was centred around catalogue shopping. Before there were online wish lists, Christmas dreams were inspired by endless hours of flipping through the pages of thick, glossy catalogues. Long afternoons were spent circling toys in the Sears Wish Book, folding corners of our favourite pages. Catalogue shopping brought a sense of slowness interwoven with anticipation and ignited the whole Christmas spirit. It’s a ritual that Gen Z will never experience, and frankly, we think they’re missing out.
Christmas Specials You Had To Watch Live
Gen Z can watch anything at any time. They could watch their favourite Christmas movie in the middle of July and it would be totally fine. But, the Christmas we remember, watching that Christmas movie was an event that the whole evening was planned around. You couldn’t afford to miss it; otherwise, you’d have to wait until next year to watch it. If you wanted to record it for yourself, you needed to deal with blank VHS tapes and hope that no one would record over it in the future. Another thing that Gen Z will never understand.
Visiting Santa In A Store
In the Christmas we remember, visiting Santa in a department store was peak Christmas magic. Families would bundle up and head to the big mall and stand in a long queue that seemed to take you on travels through the north poll. The holiday displays surrounding Santa were always elaborate, festive and whimsical. Walking through it took even parents back to a magic land where dreams could come true. But, with Santa being everywhere now and the digital world overtaking the real one, Gen Z can see the jolly guy any time they want without much effort at all.
Slower, Simpler Christmas Day
Christmas used to be a slower and simpler day. It unfolded at a calm and gentler pace. Every moment was intentionally bound by magic. There wasn’t the pressure to capture content but rather the choice to just be together. This is a type of Christmas that Gen Z can’t even picture. A Christmas without hashtags, photo filters, geotagging or anything else to do with the digital world. One that solely exists in the real one.
Boxing Day Shopping
Back in the day, Boxing Day didn’t involve coffee, your favourite pyjamas, or scrolling on your couch. It meant bundling up and being in the queue for sometimes hours before the store even opened just to make sure you got your share of all the good deals. This was the only time for Boxing Day shopping. In store and on Boxing Day. It was a full-on event. The atmosphere was electric as people excitedly awaited the door-crashing deals and insane sale prices. It was a shopping day unlike any other day of the year.
Why These Memories Still Matter
For so many of us, these Christmas memories capture a beautiful sense of togetherness and simplicity that feels so rare today. It was a special time. The focus of the holiday was on family. These traditions we had, picking out the perfect Christmas tree, catalogue shopping, and visiting Santa in the store, fostered a sense of patience, anticipation and community. There was something wonderful about slowing down and living each moment and not curating it. Now, these memories serve as a reminder of what Christmas once was and what’s at the heart of it.
A Christmas Worth Remembering
A Christmas worth remembering is anywhere you’re with your loved ones, living out your traditions. Sure, take lots of photos to hold onto the memories but also make time to be unplugged and fully present as well. A Christmas to remember is one that warms your heart. It’s one that lights up your eyes with wonder and makes children believe in the magic of it all. It’s not about the stuff, the trends, or anything materialistic. It’s about experiencing an anticipation alongside togetherness, something that in our very instant-type world, Gen Z just doesn’t understand.
