K-Mart Toy Land Sale, 1976

I got an Ideal Toss Across this very Christmas. Apparently my first-grade teacher said I needed more hand-eye coordination, and this game was my mother's solution. My mother brags now how it improved my skills, but I don't ever remember actually using it. And I'm still kind of clumsy...

--Brian H.

Johnny Cash for (Why Not?) Lionel Trains

During the 1976 Christmas season, Lionel partnered with Johnny Cash on a TV special called Riding the Rails, all about America's love affair with trains. The special worked: Little children everywhere were asking Santa for all-black outfits.

--Brian H.

Hecht's Department Store, 1976

"Bountiful garlands and ornaments abundant with colors portray the true meaning of Christmas in Hecht's downtown Washington, D.C. store."

--Brian H.