That's Gneiss! #164 ~ The Long Christmas War, 1947-1980
Plus: Donner Party content, and the psychology of food logos
Hello friends!
Today I want to share the tale of a little known historical battle that lasted for decades in the 20th century. Like me, you may have unwittingly taken part in the epic struggle each year as your family celebrated the Christmas holiday. For the last few years, I have been “doing my own research” (as they say) and can finally bring to light the truth that was hidden from us for years.
Buckle up.
Let us first set the scene, with a glimpse at Christmas during the 1920’s, and the 1930’s when families gathered around their tree for holiday fun.
Despite the ups and downs of each decade, Christmas remained relatively the same through the years. Children pined for the hot gift of the season, fervently hoping Santa would make their dreams come true. Halls were decked, turkey consumed, and the dark days of winter were made bright with carols, trees and lights.
After WWII ended, everything changed. A new kid came to town with an incessant demand for attention…
In a very short time, televisions had infiltrated the homes of America. 90% of American households had a television by 1962 - the glowing box captivated young and old alike. The speed at which adoption of television occurred was uncanny. However, their ability to control the minds and actions of Americans was yet to be seen.
Television became the center of family life - it was a source of news and entertainment, bringing many of the big events of the day into people’s homes. It looked as if television had completed its takeover of the American mind.
There was just one catch, one flaw in the plan for total takeover…
Christmas.
For a short time each year, television was pushed aside as trees and gifts moved to the forefront of daily life. People turned their backs on the beloved TV.
Over the last few years I have studied Christmas photographs from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s VERY CAREFULLY. I can come to only one conclusion - a war of epic proportions took place in homes across America, unbeknownst to all of us.
You see it again and again - the televisions sitting off to the side or in the background, completely ignored and seething with anger. The hostility is palpable. Adding insult to injury, the televisions are often adorned with Christmas decorations and in some cases the tree itself is set on top! It is only their lack of arms and access to weapons that saved us from a more bloody outcome.
This went on for decades - well into the 70’s. This young lad who is so engrossed with his Fisher Price gas station has no idea the danger that lurks behind him.
The silent war was taking its toll on television, and it looked as if Christmas would hold on tightly to its grasp on the biggest season of the year. Despite their love for television, people loved Christmas more. Each year TVs would go dark for long hours as Americans enjoyed the excesses of the holiday. College football bowl games made a dent in the holiday shell, but they weren’t quite enough to clinch victory for television.
1980 was a major turning point in the long war between Christmas and television. By the late 70’s new developments were lurking in the background as television created an alliance with the Atari Corporation that would change the battle landscape and once again tip favor towards the glowing boxing the corner.
Christmas could not be stopped completely, but it was ensured that immediately after gifts were opened the television would once again take center stage. The dust of the gift-opening frenzy had barely settled and families across the country were plugging in their new game consoles…
Our family was one of the millions who jumped onto the Atari bandwagon, and I remember playing Space Invaders for hours on end. The novelty of playing games at home appealed to both young and old, 365 days a year. I don’t have any pictures to document our participation in the Long Christmas War, but can tell you we took the side of television without even realizing what had happened… just like these folks did.
That is all I can tell you today about this important piece of history they didn’t teach you in school. But don’t take my word for it! Do your own research and you too will see signs of the 33-year battle for American minds.
Was your family swept up without even knowing it?
Tidbits
Forlorn Hope Expedition - athletes retrace the steps of the Donner Party escape group (scroll down for the blog posts about their experience)
Does the logo on your food or drink affect how it tastes?
Two fun ones from Austin Kleon: The Comfort of a Pencil, and Drawing to Remember
Making: sooooo busy with the holiday cards, which I’m about to start sending out! It’s not too late to get one yourself. Reply to this email and send me your address!
Reading: I am ENTHRALLED by The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy: The Shocking Inside Story. So creepy, so disturbing. I can’t put it down. The things that happened were horrifying, and reading about places I’m familiar with lend an extra-creepy air to everything.
Art Zone
Taking a break here this week.
Videos of the Week
Relive Christmas of the past - the clothes, the hair, the interior decor! And most of all, the seething televisions sitting in the corner…
There’s nothing like the sound of Space Invaders as they march ever closer to crushing you while you desperately try to pick them off.
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It should come as no surprise to you that this was my favorite post of the year! Just as people here on the coast say “Never turn your back to the ocean” you very rightly caution holiday revelers to never turn their backs to the television. Never! Television Set's seething inner rage at the tinsel and toys usurping its space needs further study and I am pleased you're at the forefront of this important research, Anne. 📺 🎄📺🎄📺🎄📺🎄
Another superb post. A+++ I've heard "Wishing you a safe and sanitized holiday season" is the thing to say this year . . . so shall pass on that warm wish to you as well.