Back in time for Christmas BBC2

[Cartman]

Anyone see this which was on over the Christmas period? I recorded both parts and just got round to watching the first instalment lastr night. Its one of those documentaries where a family experience life in previous eras, and the first one portrayed Christmases as they would have been in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

The only one I can comment on was the 60s and I do feel that they got this one pretty much right as it was more or less as I remember it from then, not that much different to today in many respects. The 50s one I wasn't sure about, I think it was made out to be a bit more austere than it would have been, the presents probably would have been a bit better and rationing had ended in 1954.

The 40s one I can only go off what Mum told me about life then and she said that there were shortages of more or less everything so that one was probably pretty correct too

I will let you know what the second half is like when I watch it, this will be the 70s, 80s and 90s, although I don't think there is that much difference from about the 60s onwards

[Steve Austin]

I watched these Cartman and enjoyed them all. The ones from the 40's and 50's makes you think just how lucky we are now but the mysoginist in me does quietly like it   You don't appreciate the small changes from day to day but when they show decade to decade, it is quite a jump each time.

The houses that they shot these in are just superb and the décor is spot on, wouldn't mind the 60's or 70's house that's for sure.

The family throw themselves into it and are well suited to it I think.  They also did a series on food through the decades which I also watched (surprise, surprise, it's nostalgic so I watch it ).

Thanks for posting Cartman, let us know what you think of the complete series when you've seen them

[Cartman]

I have now seen the second half, the 70s,80s and 90s and again enjoyed it. The 70s house was great and the presents were spot on! Never had an avocado though, interesting too that one of the teenage girls said that her favourite period of them all was the 70s, it's a period I remember with a great deal of affection.

The 80s I'm less keen on and I think they maybe slightly overdid the tackiness? As for the 90s, too recent and no real difference from today to make it worth bothering with in my opinion.

Very good overall I thought

[Del Boy]

I thoroughly enjoyed this look back at how the nation spent the festive period over the years. I learned a few things.
I was surprised to learn that before the 60's Turkey would have been an expensive and not so easy to find choice.
Loved the way they found period houses to have the different decade crimbo's in. The 70's kitchen complete with deep fat fryer
was an eye opener.
I remember my Mum & Dad having the conversation/argument about defrosting and cooking the Turkey.
Loved looking at the period toys and games too.