Christmas in the 1900s: Fascinating Holiday Traditions That Shaped the Modern Christmas

The 1900s were a transformative century for Christmas—an era that brought electricity, consumer culture, wartime resilience, Hollywood influence, and the start of many beloved traditions we still cherish today. From the rise of department-store Santas to the first commercial Christmas lights, the 20th century helped mold Christmas into the warm, glowing celebration we know now.

Below are some of the most interesting and surprising facts about Christmas during the 1900s—and how these traditions continue inspiring holiday magic today.

1. Electric Christmas Lights Became a Household Staple

While electric lights were invented in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that they became widely used. Prior to this, families decorated trees with candles—a beautiful but dangerous practice.

By the 1920s, pre-wired strings of lights became popular, making holiday decorating safer, easier, and far more colorful. The tradition of walking or driving to see neighborhood light displays began during this era, eventually becoming the beloved holiday pastime it remains today.

2. The Rise of the Department-Store Santa

The early 1900s saw the booming popularity of department stores. By the 1930s and 1940s, many stores introduced in-house Santas, turning holiday shopping into an experience—complete with photos, decorated windows, and elaborate displays.

This era turned Santa into not just a symbol of Christmas joy, but a central figure in family holiday outings.

3. Christmas Cards Exploded in Popularity

While Christmas cards existed in the 1800s, the 1900s transformed them into a national tradition. Printing technology made cards inexpensive, and by the 1950s, exchanging cards was considered essential holiday etiquette.

Some families even saved cards and turned them into scrapbooks, preserving decades of memories.

4. World War II Influenced Christmas in Unexpected Ways

The 1940s brought rationing, limited gifts, and emotional holidays separated by oceans. Yet Christmas during WWII was marked by creativity and hope:

• Handmade gifts became the norm

• Soldiers received Christmas care packages

• Families hung blue or gold stars in their windows

• Communities sang carols in blackout conditions

Many traditions emphasizing togetherness over materialism were strengthened during this period.

5. Classic Christmas Movies Defined the Holiday Spirit

The 1900s gave us some of the most iconic Christmas films ever made:

• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

• Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

• White Christmas (1954)

• A Christmas Story (1983)

• Home Alone (1990)

These films helped shape modern ideas of family, nostalgia, and holiday magic—many becoming annual must-watch events.

6. Christmas Music Became a Cultural Phenomenon

From Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” in 1942—still the best-selling single of all time—to Elvis, Nat King Cole, and the rise of Christmas pop music in the 90s, the 1900s made holiday music a cultural cornerstone.

By the end of the century, radio stations across America flipped to all-Christmas formats, creating a holiday soundtrack that still fills homes and cars each December.

7. Gift-Giving Became More Commercialized

Throughout the century, Christmas became closely tied to commercial culture:

• The first Sears Christmas Wish Book appeared in 1933

• Toy innovations like LEGO (1950s) and Barbie (1959) dominated wish lists

• The 1980s brought Cabbage Patch Kids crazes and mall shopping frenzies

The 1900s solidified the idea of Christmas morning overflowing with brightly wrapped presents.

8. Neighborhood Light Displays and Holiday Tours Emerged

As electric lights, suburban neighborhoods, and community events grew, so did Christmas displays. By the 1970s and 1980s, entire neighborhoods began coordinating themes—making holiday light tours a cherished tradition.

Today, families and travelers still bundle up and explore glowing streets, animated displays, and festive neighborhoods… just like they began doing nearly a century ago.

Experience the Magic of Christmas Traditions Today

Christmas in the 1900s brought innovation, music, light, and heartwarming traditions that continue to define the season. If you want to step into a world of holiday magic—filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and unforgettable memories—join us for one of our Christmas tours.

✨ Visit our website to learn more and book your holiday adventure:
👉 https://www.rochestermntours.com/christmas/