‘Tis the season to stand in long lines at big box stores, buying electronic devices to wrap up and put under the Christmas tree. Sure, the kids are going to love that new game system, and your parents will be excited with their new smart phones (once they learn how to use them), but do you ever wish you could go back in time? In the good old days, Christmas meant getting an orange in your Christmas sock and unwrapping one or two presents from Santa Claus. Here are 14 photos that will make you feel nostalgic for Christmases long past.
- When you got that Radio Flyer sled for Christmas, and your dad pulled you and all the neighborhood kids down the road…those were the days!
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Even in 1909, parents made their kids get all dressed up for Christmas photos.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- This little boy just got the best Christmas present ever - a brand new bike with a banana seat. Taken in 1969.
skua47/flickr
- Here’s the tree at the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre, 1959.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Winter in 1915 meant plowing the streets with a team of horses.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Mom and Dad are all dressed up here, and it doesn’t look very comfortable to sit on the floor in that dress and heels.
skua47/flickr
- In 1903, Santa Claus not only dressed up in a suit, hat and beard…he wore a mask, too.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Look at this pretty Christmas tree in a church in Philip. Photo taken around 1910.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- In 1972, kids were happy with cap guns, hand puppets and telescopes.
skua47/flickr
- Over the river and through the woods in 1910.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- This is the little kids’ version of Over the River and Through the Woods…with an adorable puppy in tow.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Enjoying a December evening in the front parlor in Brookings, 1950.
Vieilles Annonces/flickr
- Christmas has always been a time for community spirit, and here’s the first ever municipal Christmas tree in Mitchell, circa 1915.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
- Early on Christmas morning, when the streets were empty, you could take your little brother and your sled out in the winter wonderland.
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
What memories do you have of Christmas from your childhood? We love to hear your stories, so share them with us in the comments!
South Dakota State Archives/Facebook
skua47/flickr
Vieilles Annonces/flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.