It’s that time of year again— a snowball in hand, Christmas cards waiting to be written, and a festive jumper keeping the winter chill at bay. Christmas is knocking, and this week on My 70s TV Childhood, we’re stepping back into the Christmas rituals of 1970s Britain.
For many of us, the Christmas list was a childhood rite of passage. It wasn’t just a wish list; it was a work of art. Crafted with care, it reflected the year’s dreams, the latest TV adverts, and (if we’re honest) a good dose of peer pressure. Tools like the Argos catalogue made the process both thrilling and efficient—each page a treasure trove of possibilities.
TV adverts were the magic dust that brought our lists to life. From Mousetrap’s Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions to Ronco’s curiously practical inventions, these commercials became as much a part of Christmas as turkey and crackers. And who could forget K-Tel’s “Hit Machine”? With its catchy jingles, it practically gift-wrapped itself.
Reflecting on my own childhood, a few standout presents come to mind. Action Man, with his gripping hands and authentic uniforms, was the hero of my toy box. My Hornby Train Set transformed the living room into a bustling railway on Christmas morning. And Subbuteo’s Stadium Edition, complete with floodlights and grandstands, was pure football magic in miniature.
But not every gift delivered on its promise. Mousetrap, for all its flashy adverts, turned out to be more faff than fun. My mum’s scepticism was proven right. Then there was Cluedo—a family game that became less “festive fun” and more “family feud” after the umpteenth round on Christmas Day.
Even the grown-up gifts of the 70s were an adventure. Ronco’s ads for gadgets like the Miracle Sander or the Buttoneer were as much a part of Christmas as the presents themselves, even if some ended up in the back of a cupboard by Boxing Day. And then there were the music gifts—vinyl records and cassette tapes that were prone to tangling but still delivered the soundtrack of our lives.
What makes these memories so special isn’t just the gifts; it’s the shared joy, the traditions, and the build-up to the big day. Writing a Christmas list wasn’t just about the presents—it was about the list!! and what could possibly end up under that tree.
What were your favourite Christmas presents from the 70s? Did TV adverts help shape your wish list? Share your festive stories with us on the blog or social media—I’d love to hear them!
Take care,
OliverContact Us:
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