Nostalgia for an ’80s’ Christmas as poll finds majority of over 35s want to bring the ‘magic’ back
A NEW poll suggests the majority of over 35-year-olds are nostalgic for the Christmases of the 80s – and want to bring the “magic” back.
Two thirds of the age bracket miss the music, films and even presents from four decades ago, according to the findings.
A whopping 60 per cent specifically referenced the era’s classic Christmas tunes – including Last Christmas by Wham! and Fairytale of New York by the Pogues.
Meanwhile, 25 per cent of parents yearn for their children to experience Christmas the way they did as a youngster.
And four in 10 of the 2,000 over-35s polled reckon the 80s were the single best decade for festive extravagance.
In response to this wave of nostalgia, Booking.com is bringing the magic of an 80s Christmas back to life with the launch of the exclusive ‘Home of Christmas Past’, a one-off 1980s-themed homestay in London.
The London property, which is available to rent via the Booking.com app or website on Tuesday 10 December, offers a trip down memory lane.
The accommodation is decked out with shimmering tinsel, vintage baubles, and iconic 80s toys scattered under the tree. Guests can enjoy classic 80s movies on VHS, festive tunes on a Walkman, and a buffet filled with retro treats like Viennetta and vol-au-vents.
Internal data from Booking.com, which also commissioned the research, shows the UK capital is the top searched destination in Europe over the festive period.
Ryan Pearson for the online travel agency said: “Nostalgia is a big trend, not only in entertainment, fashion and home decor, but also travel.
“We see people booking trips to places they loved when they were younger, both at Christmas and during warmer months.
“For many of the people we polled, memories of a simpler time is what’s driving a lot of this sentiment.”
The study found 46 per cent of respondents feel nostalgic about festive traditions from their childhoods.
And 44 per cent report “Christmas isn’t what it used to be”, while 32 per cent want to bring the ‘magic’ of the holiday back.
Just over four in 10 (43 per cent) miss surrounding the singular family TV to watch classic Christmas telly.
While 80s foods people remember fondly include trifle (33 per cent), a Viennetta (27 per cent) and cocktail sausages on sticks (25 per cent).
Just under half (48 per cent) feel it’s important to share their 1980s Christmas traditions with younger generations, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
The Snowman (33 per cent), Die Hard (27 per cent) and Gremlins (23 per cent) topped the list of the best Christmas movies.
And when it comes to festive TV specials, 43 per cent picked Only Fools and Horses as their favourites, with 35 per cent opting for Morecambe & Wise and 32 per cent Top of the Pops.
While 21 per cent say recent TV hit Rivals has reignited their love for all things 1980s.
The Home of Christmas Past will be available to book on a first come first serve basis for up to four guests checking-in for two nights on December 13 at a cost of £19.80 only.
Top 20 things that trigger 80s Christmas nostalgia
1. Classic TV shows
2. Specific songs
3. Listening to Christmas Top of the Pops
4. Opening presents early on Christmas morning
5. Watching The Snowman or similar classics
6. Family gatherings with extended relatives
7. Receiving catalogues like Argos or Woolworths to pick presents
8. Tinsel-covered Christmas trees
9. Family traditions like board game nights after dinner
10. Watching iconic 1980s Christmas ads (e.g., Coca-Cola trucks)
11. Christmas cards displayed across the walls
12. The smell of particular festive foods or candles
13. Advent calendars with simple chocolate treats
14. Toys or games
15. School nativity plays or Christmas concerts
16. Decorations or home décor
17. Homemade Christmas buffets
18. Making paper chains or foil garlands
19. Watching VHS tapes of Christmas specials
20. Shopping trips with 1980s-style festive store windows