Before the turn of the mid-century, Christmas was a celebration steeped in ancient feeling traditions. Subtle decorations of ribbon and citrus abounded, a child’s Christmas toy would have been simply made, and the feasts enjoyed were definitely lacking in vibrant food coloring. After the heartache of World War II, Americans in the mid-century began to approach the world with a sense of optimism and an appreciation for innovation. That innovation was especially prevalent at Christmastime, where the brightly colored advertisements for exciting new toys and easier to cook meals, and the introduction of colored televisions, changed the way that people celebrated the holiday. Join Curator of Education Elaina Gyure for this deep dive into how the mid-century shaped the Christmas we celebrate today.