20th Century Christmas Shopping

last modified Dec 21, 2018 by Kathy Pinna
posted Dec 15, 2016 by Kathy Pinna

Tags: Christmas, Businesses, Holidays & Special Events

Almost 2 decades (wow!) into the 21st century, online shopping is beginning to equal the shopping at brick and mortar stores. But in the 20th century, people had to go out and shop - in great numbers. A part of everyone's Christmas tradition was going to the stores and enjoying the sights and sounds: The beautiful window displays, the Christmas lights, the newest toys and clothes, visiting Santa, sometimes hearing carolers . . . and the crowds. Always the crowds.

These are photos of those days of physically shopping during Christmastime. Do you miss some of it? Do you still at least go to a mall to experience Christmas sights and sounds? Or are you happy that with a click of your mouse, your shopping is done?

Not a war . . . shoppers!

1948 photo of a NYC store after Christmas shoppers have left.

Window shopping

1941 Los Angeles

Christmas dolls, 1934

A little girl window shopping for her Christmas wish!

1939 London

Notice the sandbags lined up against the building. This was the first Christmas of World War II in England. The sandbags were supposed to protect the stores against bombs.

The Bishop's Wife

Loretta Young in the 1947 movie - one of the great Christmas movies. Cary Grant was a wonderful angel!

1910 New York City

From tip to toe, they're loaded down!

Macy's Santa, 1924

Look closely, the details are great!

Macy's Santa, 1942

Oh, a Christmas train!

The Brandeis Department Store in 1960's Omaha.

1939 New York City

Those are crowded sidewalks!

Christmas shoppers, Chicago

Looks like the 1940's - what do you think?

Street Christmas card display

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