Is it just me, or does Christmas not feel the same anymore? Back in the 90s and early aughts, there was something truly magical about the season.
Stores were decked out like they were auditioning for a holiday movie, and most stayed open late, so you could shop without rushing.
And the people? Friendlier, for sure. There was this unspoken camaraderie as if we were all in on some festive holiday secret. Strangers would smile, toss out a cheerful “Merry Christmas,” and for a moment, it felt like everyone was on the same team.
Today? It’s a different story. Half the stores can’t even bother with decorations, and good luck getting someone to look up from their phone, let alone wish you a “Merry Christmas.” Unless you’re still the one hosting family Christmas, if so, bless your heart because that’s a whole production.
That’s why I can’t help but miss the way Christmas used to feel. The joy in the air, the vibe, the slowness of it all, it was everything. So, if you’re like me and find yourself yearning for those simpler times, join me on a trip down memory lane to revisit the Christmas moments that made the 90s and 2000s truly unforgettable.
90s & 2000s Christmas Songs Were Everything
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There’s something about the music from the 90s and 2000s that made Christmas feel a little more magical.
Whether you were blasting it in the car while driving through the neighborhood to look at lights or singing along with your cousins during a Christmas Eve sleepover, these songs just hit different:
- 8 Days Of Christmas by Destiny’s Child
It wouldn’t be a 00s jam without Destiny’s Child. The vocals! I really miss them together.
- Who Would Imagine A King by Whitney Houston
It also wouldn’t be a true holiday classic without the Queen flexing those pipes.
- All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
You don’t need to know anything about this song other than that it was, and still is Christmas.
- Let It Snow by Boyz II Men
This was the perfect song for cozy nights by the fire or driving around town looking at Christmas lights.
- Sleigh Ride by TLC
If you needed a holiday party tune, this was it. My besties and I had it on replay, and honestly, it still gets me hyped for Christmas.
Related: These 7 Excellent Black Christmas Albums Will Help You Tune Into The Holidays!
We Had The Best Christmas Movies Roster
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Speaking of things that hit differently back then, let’s talk about the Christmas movie roster that kept us glued to the TV all holiday season. 4
I remember my dad stacking up Home Alone VHS tapes like he was prepping for the apocalypse because if the TV signal went out, we weren’t missing a thing. Ah, simpler times.
These movies gave us all the holiday feels, from belly laughs to cozy family vibes. And honestly, no Christmas is complete without revisiting these gems:
- The Preacher’s Wife
Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston? Enough said. This movie was the blueprint for a soulful Christmas with a side of angelic charm.
- Home Alone
- Christmas wasn’t Christmas back then (and even today for some of us) without Kevin McCallister running circles around Marv and Harry. The traps? The chaos? Every ‘90s kid’s ultimate wish-fulfillment moment. Back then, we secretly wished we could set up those traps like Kevin instead of just scrolling through endless Netflix menus, am I right?
Fun Fact: If you were born before 1990, congrats—you’re now older than Marv was in this movie.
- This Christmas
Close your eyes and think back to 17 years ago – no Trump looming over us, the very first iPhone was released with the letter ‘i’ still intact, and Chris Brown was the heartthrob every teenager swooned over. He was the boy we all dreamed of, and This Christmas was the movie that made us fall even harder. Still love him though.
- Friday After Next
Christmas in the Hood never looked so incredible. A thieving Santa Claus, hilarious one-liners, and Ice Cube doing what he does best. It’s chaotic holiday perfection.
- A Diva’s Christmas Carol
Who else could make Scrooge stylishly shady? Vanessa Williams took Christmas drama to new heights in this modern retelling. Glamorous, sassy, and oh-so-watchable.
The Magic Of Christmas Church Plays
There was nothing like being part of the Christmas church play – whether you were cast as an angel in the nativity or belting out “O Holy Night” in your Sunday best. And let’s not forget the auntie with the tambourine who stole the show every time.
There was real magic in those moments, even if you were just there for the cookies afterward.
Today, it feels like church on Christmas is a thing of the past. Honestly, it’s a little sad how we’ve traded in the carols and the plays for… well, whatever we’re doing instead.
We Had The Best Toys, Period!
Maybe it’s just me, but Christmas wishlists from the 90s and early 2000s were next level. Easy-Bake Ovens, Game Boys, Furbys, Tamagotchis, and Bratz Dolls—seriously, how do you even compare?
And if you were living your best life, you got the ultimate flex: a Barbie Dreamhouse or a Sega Genesis. Talk about winning Christmas.
Christmas Lights Were A Full-Spectrum Experience
@christmastime.2024 90s christmas nostalgia #c#christmas #christmasnostalgia #90sthrowback #90schristmas #90skids #christmastiktok #christmastime #christmasdecoration #christmastree #christmaslights ♬ Fairytale of New York (feat. Kirsty MacColl) – The Pogues
Ah, the decor back then. If your house wasn’t lit up like a UFO landing zone, were you even celebrating Christmas? The goal wasn’t just to impress but to leave your neighbors questioning if you’d accidentally gotten caught in a Clark Griswold moment.
Forget subtlety. This was when more was more – we had LED strands on the bushes, garage frame, and basically, everywhere my somewhat drunk uncle could reach.
Seriously, if NASA couldn’t spot your house from space, you might as well have been on the naughty list.
And let’s not forget the giant inflatable snowman and at least two light-up reindeer, who, if you were lucky, would end up in a very interesting position thanks to mischievous neighborhood kids. It was the best time.
Honestly, the holidays back then were a whole vibe. And there’s more…
Do you remember these commercials?
@nostalgicclub1 Who knew I would miss watching these commercials …????????♀️❄️????#90sand2000s #early2000snostalgia #2000schristmas #christmasinthe2000s #2000saesthetic #christmascommercials #christmascommercial #2000skids #fypシ #fyp #forypupage #nostalgiatrip #imissbeingakid ♬ original sound – Nostalgicclub
and
@nostalgia00_ Coca Cola Christmas Commercial 2000 ???????? #like #perte #foryou #2000s #christmas #commercial #cocacola #memories ♬ suono originale – Nostalgia
TLC Baby!
@mizzezwallace23 Black Christmas Songs ????????#rnb #rnbvibes #musictok #throwbacksongs #90s #90srnb #throwback #christmastiktok #christmassong #christmas #christmasmusic #vibes #nostalgia #black #blacktiktok #blacktiktokcommunity #vibe #80sbaby #90skids #rnbthrowbacks #blackgirlmagic #90sthrowback ♬ original sound – MizzezWallace23????✨????????????
This Christmas…can’t wait to rewatch this
@throwbackjackk movie is – This Christmas #oldskoolmovie #movieclips #moviescenes???? #early2000smovies #thischristmasmovie ♬ Get Down On It – Single Version – Kool & The Gang
One of the best Hip-Hop Christmas songs of all time
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