What Was Christmas Like in 1950s America?

The 1950s were a time of prosperity and abundance during Christmas in the United States. Families celebrated with lavish decorations and enjoyed a variety of new holiday foods. Many films, foods, toys, and TV shows from this period have become enduring American Christmas traditions.

Previously, the U.S. relied on Germany for its Christmas ornaments, toys, and customs. However, during the years following World War II, the United States became self-sufficient in these areas, and American-made decorations and toys were cheaper than their German counterparts.

Traditional Christmas customs like visiting department store Santas and writing letters to the North Pole remained popular, but the era also introduced new traditions, some that continue to be celebrated today.

Let’s look at Christmas in the 1950s.