The Ghost of Christmas Past—Sixties Past

by Eva Pasco, author of "Underlying Notes"

Ebenezer Scrooge’s memorable, miserable, miserly line, “What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer” subsequently rattled Marley’s chains and provoked ghostly visits conjuring up the past, present, and future.  I am whisking up the Ghost of Christmas Past-- Sixties Past, to take us by the hand so we may hover over a typical living room in the decade that was.   Our flight soars above the social and political movement, the countercultural revolution, civil rights, the assassinations, the Manson massacres, and war protests as we nosedive to the heart of Christmas at the source where its spirit flourishes-- the home.

Temporarily blinded by the glare from an aluminum tinsel tree, the geometric swirls on the draw drapes are no hallucination either.  We are surrounded by contemporary furniture, so minimalist in design.  No one will notice if we sit down on the curved sofa with orange fabric where we can keep track of time by the sunburst clock on the wall.   The rustling of wrapping paper begins in earnest because we’re all kids at heart on Christmas morn. 

And what do our wondering eyes discover in the scene about to unfold?   A glance into the past of gifts to behold: Ball bearing skates, Barbie, a Lionel train set, an AM Transistor radio, a stereo—just a smattering of our favorite Sixties things.  Twelve-inch 33 1/3 rpm and seven-inch 45 rpm vinyl records spin us back to a time when Motown and the British Invasion were at their prime.   The Miracles, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five, and The Animals are some of the popular artists who spring to mind. Oh, back in the day during a Sixties Christmas which didn't seem to dig into our pockets too deeply...  A pair of men's Oxfords cost $12.95, an automatic can opener - $8.88, and turkey cost 39 cents per pound.

Wait, someone got up from the sofa to turn on the TV set to click through the channels in search of a worthwhile holiday program.  A little more adjustment of the knobs for the brightness and sound, and stars from  Sixties past are coming around.  It’s the likes of Edgar Bergen, Bob Hope and Bing.  Even Judy Garland and Frank will sing.

Out of place, though not out of mind, the hands on the sunburst clock remind us we’ve overstayed our tarrying time.  And so we gather our thoughts and tuck away our memories as we take flight to a nowadays Christmas brightened by the love of family and friends.  Merry Christmas to all.

Check out Eva's Blog

Order Eva's Book "Underlying Notes"