Santa greets a youngster as he arrives at the mall in Palatine in winter of 1972.
Daily Herald file photo
The pictures in this gallery are all taken by Daily Herald photographers that harken back to Christmas in the 1970s and '80s in the suburbs
Christmas or Christ Mass is the yearly celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary.
People celebrate Christmas in all manners.
From gift giving, to caroling, to hanging decorations to celebrating Jesus' birth, the Christian holiday is filled with many traditions.
Santa Claus, Saint Nick, or just plain Santa to some was popularized in the 20th century.
As year passed, Santa Claus grew in size both physically and as a popular cultural icon.
Some say the precursor to Santa is Father Christmas which dates back as far as the 16th century.
Got an idea for a suburban #TBT photo gallery? Share your ideas and photos with us at tbt@dailyherald.com.
And share your favorite and memorable #TBT photos with us on Instagram using #tbtsuburbs.
A young girl on Christmas Day at St. Theresa's Church in Palatine in 1979.
Daily Herald file photo
Gould Center Christmas lights fill the night in Rolling Meadows in 1979.
Daily Herald file photo
Des Plaines Girl Scouts decorate a Christmas tree at Historical society in 1981.
Daily Herald file photo
Woodfield Christmas Crowds overtake the mall during the 1974 season.
Daily Herald file photo
Santa arrives in Barrington to a crowd of onlookers by helicopter in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Three ladies pose for a Daily Herald picture with Christmas table decorations in Palatine in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
A band performs as the walk in a Christmas Parade in Arlington Heights in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Santa waves to the crowd during a Christmas Parade in Arlington Heights in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
People line the streets during a Christmas Parade in Arlington Heights in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Crowds line up as they wait at a Woodfield bakery during the Christmas season 1974.
Daily Herald file photo
Santa arrives on double-decker bus in Palatine in 1978.
Daily Herald file photo
A man shakes a Christmas tree as he selects a tree in Rolling Meadows in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Digging through his bag of gifts Santa arrives in Barrington to a crowd of onlookers by helicopter in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Giant floats fill a Christmas Parade in Arlington Heights in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Floats and costumed people fill the street during a Christmas Parade in Arlington Heights in 1970.
Daily Herald file photo
Greeting a large group of awaiting people Santa arrives at the mall in Palatine in winter of 1972.
Daily Herald file photo