Susan Waggoner

This is a terrific book of facts, photos and nostalgia about Christmas during the 20's through the 60's. I learned a lot, and am old enough to remember some. Here are a few interesting tidbits:
1920's - Not many homes had electricity so all the sparkle on the trees came from tinsel (made from lead!!) and candles. The Macy's parade began in 1924 with live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo.
1930's - Greeting cards became popular replacing the Christmas postcard. Radio was the expensive family gift, and for children: sock monkeys, the board games Sorry and Monopoly. Radio City Music Hall opened in 1932 with the high-kicking Rockettes. The introduction of Scotch tape made package wrapping much simpler.
1940's - During the war years the shortage of metal and rubber saw a reduction in the quality of children's toys. Christmas trees were in short supply due to the fact there were fewer men to cut them down so artificial trees became popular.
1950's - The aluminum tree with the rotating color wheel was all the rage. Remote control televisions were the family gift. In 1954 the full-length revival of The Nutcracker became a national sensation.
1960's - Jackie Kennedy started the 'themed' Christmas tree tradition. Artificial trees fell out of favor after "A Charlie Brown Christmas" aired on tv in 1965; children everywhere wanted the real thing like Charlie had. Children's toys included the etch-a-sketch, easy-bake oven, hot wheels and the game of Operation.
Give yourself a treat and read this fun book. It will definitely get you in the Holiday spirit.… (meer)