Why did every kid want a basketball under the tree? Because after Space Jam, we were all convinced that a pair of Air Jordans and a… Read More »1996 Classic: Space Jam Stockings

 Why did kids start ignoring their real pets? Because they were too busy trying to keep a pixelated egg alive on a keychain during the… Read More »1996 Archive: Tamagotchi (Hype)

 Why did 1996 produce the loudest Christmas morning in history? Because when kids saw that 64-bit logo under the wrapping paper, they screamed so loud… Read More »1996 Legacy: Nintendo 64 (The N64 Kid)

 Why was “Macarena” the ultimate Christmas earworm? Because it was the only song that could make Grandma and a toddler do the same dance moves… Read More »1996 Vintage: Los Del Rio

 Why was the 1996 family photo so awkward? Because instead of saying “Cheese,” the photographer told everyone to put their hands on their hips and… Read More »1996 Vintage: The Macarena Carol

Shadows of the Empire: Why did N64 fans have a “Snowy” Christmas? Because they spent 48 hours straight trying to trip AT-ATs on Hoth instead of… Read More »1996 Legacy: Star Wars

 Why was the $600 DVD player a confusing gift? Because your dad spent all Christmas Day explaining that “it’s like a laserdisc, but smaller,” while… Read More »1996 Archive: The DVD Player (First Gen)

 Why were moms hoarding plush toys? Because in 1996, we were convinced that a small bean-filled moose would eventually pay for our college tuition. Part… Read More »1996 Vintage: Beanie Babies

 Why was this the ultimate slow-dance gift? Because in 1996, you weren’t officially “dating” someone until you gave them the Spice Girls CD single with… Read More »1996 Archive: Spice Girls “2 Become 1”

 Why were teenagers crying under the tree? Because Leonardo DiCaprio in a Hawaiian shirt was the only “gift” they actually wanted. Part of the 40… Read More »1996 Classic: Romeo + Juliet