Holiday Television: Going Back In Time

As the ‘most mature’ of the Nice Girls here, my holiday television memories are much different than the other girls. For one thing, there were only six network channels: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WGN and UHF/VHF, which was only watchable with a very good antenna on your roof. By midnight, there was nothing broadcasting at all. Think “Poltergeist” and the snowy screen following the National Anthem sign off.

The regularly scheduled shows generally took their hiatus during the holidays, airing reruns or not airing at all, which made room for the holiday variety specials and movies. Classics like White Christmas, Holiday Inn, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Bishop’s Wife were highly anticipated on a snowy night in December. In 1948 Bob Hope began entertaining the troops overseas and in 1954, these shows were taped for television. The Bob Hope Christmas Special was the biggest event in our home when I was very young. Favorites from Ann Margaret to Phyllis Diller and Bing Crosby, Connie Stevens, Dorothy Lamour, Raquel Welch, Marilyn Monroe and Jim Nabors, joined Hope in delighting the men and women who couldn’t be home with their families for the holidays. They gave them memories that were cherished for the rest of their lives, and we were able to enjoy the shows as well.

As I grew up and had my own kids, we started our own traditions with holiday TV. The classics are still on the menu as we come together with hot cocoa, popcorn and pillows. We usually clear the living room floor and spread out as though we were having a slumber party. We line up our favorite DVDs and make a few nights of it. On Christmas Eve, the younger kids are packed into bed early and my oldest daughter and I carry on a tradition that we began when she was very small. After wrapping the presents and layering them under the tree, we lay out blankets and pillows near the tree and sleep.

It will be interesting to see what traditions my younger children will start with their families. Television has changed so much since I was their age, but the warmth and the fun remains. Especially when we drag out the memories they cherish.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?