London Christmas: 20 nostalgic photos of Londoners loving Christmas that will make you smile
| Published date | 21 December 2020 |
| Date | 21 December 2020 |
| Publication title | MyLondon (England) |
Yet even then, Londoners celebrated Christmas and looked on the bright side, and let's hope that's how it will be for many this year.
At this moment when we need to smile and remember the good times more than ever, we've pulled together some heart-warming photos capturing amazing Christmas moments from London's past.
They evoke a spirit of optimism and hope and show that even through times of poverty, war, and upheaval, Londoners have always pulled together as a community to help each other at Christmas time.
Turkey twizzlers
This is proof that Londoners have always loved their Christmas turkeys. Here loads of turkeys are pictured hanging up for sale outside a poulterers in Watling Street, central London in 1923. They obviously weren't quite as squeamish about their meat as we are today! Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Blitz spirit
Christmas shopping went ahead despite London being smashed with bombs during the Blitz of 1940-41. Here an airman is pictured during the Christmas shopping rush buying a doll for his daughter.
Hugs with a 70s Santa
Children enjoy hugs with Santa at Selfridges in Oxford Street at Christmas 1970. No one's going to be hugging Santa this year but hopefully he'll still come visit
Dear oh deer..
Even Santa sometimes has to rely on public transport as shown by this 1970 shot of Santa waiting for a bus with his reindeer and a stack of presents
Christmas party romance
Chelsea Restaurant Manager Massimo Tonietti at a staff Christmas party at Chelsea FC in 1979 -we're not sure who the lady is with him but hopefully it's his wife. Photo by Hugh Hastings/Chelsea FC
Carry on Christmas
We loved her so much, especially in Carry on Christmas and on our screen as landlady in the Queen Vic, getting stuck into some drunk louts in her pub. She's pictured here in Christmas rehearsals at Studio One, Thames TV, Teddington Lock Studios. in 1970. God bless her.
Lighting up Christmas
The West End has long been famed for its amazing Christmas lights bringing a bit of sparkle for shoppers. Even in the 1950s which were often seen as a drab decade, they shone bright.
We all want some figgy pudding
These London school pupils can't resist having a taste of their yummy Christmas pudding. No social distancing required. People didn't actually dress like this in the 1930s, they are wearing their old school uniforms from the 1930s.
Away...
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