12 Holiday Decorations Everyone Used in the ’70s
Take a nostalgic trip back to the glittery, groovy '70s with these iconic holiday decorations that turned every home into a festive, kitschy wonderland.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The 1970s added a special mix of shine, kitsch, and imagination to holiday decor, with houses adorned in anything from radiant blow molds to DIY sequin decorations. Families enjoyed both mass-produced pizzazz and do-it-yourself traditions, creating a cozy, offbeat holiday atmosphere that was definitively groovy. These retro decorations not only illuminated houses but also embodied the cheerful, homemade ethos of the decade.
1. Aluminum Christmas Trees
Image from Wikipedia
These metal trees, usually in silver, blue, or pink, were a holdover from the late ’60s but remained a staple in early ’70s houses. They were space-age, simple to set up, and required no drippy pine needles. Families used to couple them with a color wheel spotlight that spun, alternating the tree’s color every few seconds.
2. Ceramic Christmas Trees with Lights
Image from The Shops at Colonial Williamsburg
Usually crafted in ceramics class or bought at craft shows, these table trees had small plastic bulbs that were lit from inside by one bulb. They were either forest green or snowy white, and many are now vintage treasures. Grandmothers around the world proudly showed them off on end tables or in windows.
3. Angel Hair Tinsel
Image from Traditions Year-Round Holiday Store
Before safety warnings took hold, angel hair—spun glass—covered mantels and nativity sets for an ethereal sheen. It possessed a dreamy, misty appearance, but itched and was perilously combustible. Despite this, its enchanting shine made it a holiday favorite.
4. Bubble Lights
Image from Wikipedia
These colorful liquid-filled lights bubbled as they heated up, mesmerizing kids and adults alike. They clipped onto tree branches and came in bright plastic casings shaped like candles. Due to their nostalgic charm, their popularity endured from the ’40s well into the ’70s.
5. Blow Mold Lawn Decorations
Image from America’s Antique Mall
Giant plastic nativity scenes, snowmen, and Santa Clauses lit by a single internal bulb were the monarchs of suburban lawns. Empire and General Foam Plastics were two of the most prominent companies that filled this market. These jolly figures glowed with holiday cheer and endured winter weather for weeks.
6. Foil Garland and Streamers
Image from Amazon UK
Shiny metal garlands in bright colors were hung from ceilings and windows. Wrapping them around themselves produced a playful 3D effect that caught light perfectly. These were cheap and immediately festive, great for a party atmosphere.
7. Popcorn and Cranberry Garlands
Image from Only Passionate Curiosity
Strung by hand while sitting around to watch holiday specials, these homemade garlands were a warm tradition. They dressed up trees or mantels and provided a rustic, homespun look. Strung together, half the fun—and sometimes, more snacking than decorating.
8. Plastic Window Clings
Image from Temu
These reusable clings came in everything from frosty snowflakes to cartoon Santas. Children enjoyed assisting with putting them up, and they peeled off the glass in January. They brought instant cheer to each pane without leaving a sticky residue.
9. Sequin and Felt Ornament Kits
Image from Herrschners
Firms such as Bucilla retailed DIY kits in which families could make ornaments out of sequins, felt, and beads. These took a long time but ended up as treasured keepsakes. No two were ever identical, and that was the charm.
10. Handmade Macramé Décor
Image from Ubuy Philippines
Macramé wasn’t limited to plant hangers—it made its way into angels, stars, and even whole tree toppers. Earthy, boho-holiday decor was a reflection of the decade’s affection for natural textures. They complemented wood-paneled walls and shag carpets nicely.
11. Plastic Holly and Mistletoe
Image from Ebay PH
Plastic holly and mistletoe with fake berries and glitter were draped in doorways or placed on tables. These remained up for years without any maintenance at all. Their bright, tacky appearance fits perfectly into the maximalist ’70s look.
12. Colorful C7 and C9 String Lights
Image from Amazon.ca
Large, statement-making, and radiating color, these gargantuan bulbs illuminated houses inside and out. In contrast to the miniature LEDs of today, these were heated to the touch and emitted a golden light. Coiling them around each holiday season was a tradition in itself.