Journey Through Christmas in the 90s

So, here I am. Forty. Just a week into this new decade, and I find that I’ve been reflecting on the past in a way that feels deeper, more meaningful. With Christmas fast approaching, it’s hard not to get lost in the nostalgia of those holiday seasons and traditions that, for me, were back in the 90s.

There’s something about turning 40 that makes the past feel closer, especially when it comes to those cherished childhood memories. And for me, Christmas in the 90s was pure magic. A time when the season moved at a slower pace, filled with anticipation and tradition.

The Build-Up to Christmas

Back in the 90s, Christmas didn’t hit full swing until after Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving, that is), and even then, the main rollout in stores and shops was not until after Remembrance Day. The first sign of the season would be the arrival of the Sears Wish Book, packed with pages of every toy and gadget a kid could dream of. I’d spend hours flipping through it, circling my most-wanted items, hoping they’d show up under the tree.

December wasn’t a rush of shopping deals and digital ads like it is today. It was about counting down the days with advent calendars and watching those classic holiday movies on TV (Blue Toes anyone???). The excitement built gradually, and that slower pace made the season feel special.

The Crawl Space Decorations

When it came time to decorate, we’d pull out the boxes from the crawl space. They always had that distinct, musty smell of mildew from the moisture down there, but it didn’t matter. Those boxes were filled with our family’s Christmas treasures. The multicolored lights that were always a bit temperamental, the ornaments—some homemade, others passed down—and the tinsel that seemed to cover everything. Decorating wasn’t about making everything perfect; it was about the tradition, the joy of doing it together. And even now, I try to carry those traditions forward with my own family.

Christmas Eve at My Grandparents’

Christmas Eve was always spent at my grandparents’ house on my dad’s side, where we’d gather for a big family dinner. Their home became a hub of warmth and celebration, filled with the smell of home-cooked meals and the sounds of everyone talking and laughing. It wasn’t just about the food; it was the feeling of being surrounded by family, knowing that we were all together.

Those Christmas Eve dinners were a tradition I looked forward to every year. It wasn’t Christmas without it. But like many things, those gatherings are now a memory, as life has changed and family has spread out across the years.

Christmas Morning and Day Traditions

Christmas morning was pure magic. Waking up to see presents stacked under the tree, stockings filled with little surprises, and the excitement of unwrapping gifts. It didn’t matter if it was a Super Nintendo or just a stocking stuffer—it was the joy of the moment, the thrill of the surprise.

After our morning at home, we’d head off to one of my aunts’ or uncles’ houses on my mom’s side for a second round of celebrations. Each year, we’d gather at a different house, rotating the location. These big family gatherings were full of laughter, shared stories, and a real sense of connection. But like Christmas Eve at my grandparents’, those days have passed as well, with family now more spread out than ever before.

Carrying Traditions Forward in a Changing World

Now that I’m 40, I try to hold on to as many of those traditions as I can, but there’s no denying that things have changed. The stores, once filled with people hunting for the perfect gift, have turned into madhouses or been replaced by online shopping. Kids today seem to already have everything, making that sense of wonder a bit harder to capture.

And then there are the things beyond my control. Family gatherings, once the heart of the holidays, are no longer the same. Distance and busy schedules have made those big, joyful get-togethers more of a memory than a reality. But that’s life, I suppose—things change.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Even with all the changes, turning 40 has made me appreciate those Christmases of the 90s even more. They were simpler times, but the traditions, the family moments, and the sense of wonder still live in my heart. And as I look forward, I try to create those same feelings for my own family, hoping that the magic of the season will carry on, even if it looks a little different now.

Because at the end of the day, Christmas means something different for everyone. For some, it’s the ultimate religious holiday, while for others, it’s all about the presents. Some people may celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other holidays, and some may not celebrate at all.

For me, Christmas isn’t about the gifts, religion, or any temporary thing. It’s about the moments we share, the traditions we hold onto, and the love we give. That’s the true magic of the season for me – something that endures, no matter how much the world around us changes.

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
— Norman Vincent Peale

As always my friends, remember that we only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the moments, and have a very VERY Merry Christmas!

~Rob