Then you have this era where glamour, lights, and celebration are a common theme after enduring a war, giving people much more reason to celebrate and enjoy life. First you have this post-war boom filled with economic growth and consumers ready to spend money. had gave the Rat Pack, and the like, the opportunity to skyrocket in fame and become household names.Īll of these things now come into play to create the “sweet spot” of Christmas consumerism. becoming a global influence after World War II.
This boom was another reason why Las Vegas became much more than just gambling which provided the perfect opportunity for the Rat Pack to thrive, as well as the U.S. This post-war boom contributed heavily to consumerism, and especially consumerism during Christmas time. It is also important to note that this time period is considered to be the “post-war boom” due to World War II ending in 1945. With these characters starting to become mainstream and the use of the ads promoting more consumerism around the holiday, it was only just the beginning of how consumerism would eventually become so important to what was suppose to be just a religious holiday.ĭuring this time period, Christmas aside, it was the “hey day” of glamour, lights, and partying in Las Vegas. During the same time as the ads featuring Santa Claus started to become common, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer also came about from a book written by Robert L. Once the use of ads during Christmas time started becoming popular, naturally other methods of Christmas commercialization came into play. However, the use of Santa Claus in Coca Cola ads during the 1920s was what really started more of the commercialization we know today. This time was also when the idea of Santa Claus as a man on a sleigh bringing presents to children really began to take off after deriving from the original Greek Bishop, Saint Nicholas. The early commercialization included the use of ornaments on trees and other decorations for the holiday. Allow me to explain…Īfter doing some research, I learned that Christmas started to begin the process of commercialization during the mid to late 1800s. For some people, the answer to the question may end here with simply the family influence, but I just know there is something deeper as to why this era gives me (and I’m sure others) that magical Christmas feeling.Īfter really giving myself time to think it over and compare the vibe and feeling I get when listening to other Christmas songs, I think I have finally nailed down the difference: The era of the Rat Pack, and music similar to it, represents the right amount of commercialization of Christmas. Naturally, during the holiday season, music like that of the Rat Pack became some of the more common Christmas tunes around my household. For as long as I remember, I have known who these artists were and became drawn to their style of music. Frank Sinatra is his favorite artist and biggest inspiration as well. Throughout my entire childhood, my father played Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin year round.
The first being that no matter the era of music, you’ll feel nostalgic for the music your parents played when you were young. Some of these visiting members included Marilyn Monroe, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, and Mickey Rooney to name a few.įor starters, I feel like this is definitely a two-part answer. There were also many different people that came in and out of the group or were considered visiting members. It was later condensed to just Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. The group consisted of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. However, in my experience, I am immediately in more of the Christmas spirit when listening to jazz or swing music like that of the Rat Pack.įor some background, the Rat Pack was a group of entertainers that frequently performed at casinos and clubs in Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as made movies together. Of course there are the older classics such as The Little Drummer Boy, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus that people turn to for some easy Christmas listening.
With the holiday season already here and in full swing, something that is pretty much a universal experience for the holidays is the music.