Festive nostalgia: 1980s named best decade for Christmas

Poll reveals favourite festive decade and Christmas traditions

Does your idea of the perfect Christmas bring back memories of watching “Only Fools and Horses” on the telly while feasting on chocolate novelty tree decorations?

There were only three or four channels to distract us; Christmas jumpers were yet to become trendy and tinsel was all the rage.

But love them or loathe them, the 1980s have been crowned the best decade for festivities in a UK-wide poll.

The nationally representative research, which surveyed more than 2,000 16 to 95 year-olds reveals what makes the ultimate Christmas from across the ages.

And the decade that gave us the Rubik’s Cube triumphed on the festive front.

We may be happily looking to the future but still have one eye on the past as Christmas nostalgia is apparently on trend this year.

Tinsel tops Christmas decoration trends

Despite often dividing generations, tinsel was voted the top home decor staple by a quarter of multi-generational respondents.

This is followed by wreaths, coloured Christmas trees and chocolate tree ornaments in the research commissioned by later living operator, Inspired Villages.

The beloved bicycle was voted the gift that evoked the most Christmas memories across all generations, but the survey reveals that younger groups hold the most sentiment towards homemade gifts.

Sixteen per cent of respondents aged 16 to 24 chose presents such as homemade photo albums, artwork, garments and condiments as most meaningful - compared to just seven percent of 75-84 year olds.

So maybe that homespun electric blue scarf wasn’t in Granny’s letter to Santa after all.

More than half of respondents believe Christmas priorities have changed over the years, with 30 per cent saying for the better versus 27 percent who felt they have changed for the worse.

Of the former, almost half attribute it to more time spent with family.

The perception of negative change comes from the 57 per cent who think there is now too much focus on material items and presents.

Family time is deemed the most important element of Christmas across every generation.

Christmas food was ranked next by all age groups, followed by giving presents and socialising with friends and colleagues.

“After another tough year for many, it’s understandable that we can expect to see consumers spending and enjoying the upcoming festive season as much as they can with loved ones,” said Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages.

“It’s particularly brilliant to see that there will likely be more emphasis on spending time with family this year.