Sure, we could have delivered a bunch of boring Christmas magazine back issues, but that’s no fun. Instead, I’ve selected a stack of holiday editions which I found interesting – for their irreverence, nostalgia or just plain intangible awesomeness. Enjoy…
Why is a topless girl on the cover of a ham radio operator’s magazine? Think about the audience – I’m guessing 100 percent male. The “73” means “best regards” in Morse/radio lingo.
A magazine specifically for “young homemakers” from 1950, featuring “gifts from $1 to $13,000” – wow, that’s quite a range.
A pretty damn graphic cover on this 1975 issue of Creepy, with Santa’s bag full of presumably human entrails.
“The Christmas People: Who they are – Where they go – That they give” – December 1970
For more adult holiday covers see: Have a Very Randy X-Mas: 50 Holiday Issues of Men’s Magazines (1940s-90s) NSFW
Gallery Special Holiday Issue – December 1977
Harlequin’s Woman – 1973
TRS-80 Microcomputer News – Dec. 1982
Who knew Santa was a game addict?
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction – Jan 1962
Popular Mechanics – December 1966
MAD – January 1975
Noelle – 1976
Woman’s Day Christmas Ideas for Children – 1975
As impressive as their creations are, I can’t take my eyes off the boys’ dynamite polyester print shirts.
Easyriders – December 1988
Collier’s – December 13, 1952
This wholesome Collier’s cover is dangerously close to becoming an Art Frahm painting. If you don’t know Art Frahm, have no fear – a post will be coming your way soon.
CREEPY – Feb. 1977
True Confessions – Dec. 1984
National Lampoon – Dec. 1977
Smash Hits – Jan 1979 – Cover feat. The Boomtown Rats
Hot Rod – December 1973
“Some assembly required” I feel her pain.
CRAZY – 1976
Newsweek – Dec 27, 1976
This is a genuinely beautiful cover; sadly, I can’t see Newsweek ever daring to put something so classy on their holiday covers today.
Autosprint 1971
Mechanix-Illustrated-December 1955
New York, December 5, 1983
LAFF – Winter 1957
High Times – Dec 1979
I love how the “mistletoe” is actually a bunch of weed. Compare this to the 1955 holiday issue of Redbook…
Redbook 1955
Playgirl – December 1974
Tit Bits – December 1954
Radio Control Modeler – Dec. 1979
Soho News – December 20-29, 1980
Radiolandia (Argentina) – Dec. 1971
Rogue – December 1956
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