CHRISTMAS lights are twinkling into life all around the city and beyond.

As Glasgow’s festive preparations begin in earnest, we take a stroll back in time through the Times Past photo archives to see how it was done 60 years ago.

Our photographers through the decades have captured all aspects of city life, and the season of mince pies and mistletoe is no exception.

Do these beautiful pictures bring back memories for you? Please get in touch to share your old photos and stories by emailing ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or writing to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.

(Image: Newsquest)

IN November 1961, decorations went up on Buchanan Street – our picture shows the famous Glasgow thoroughfare long before its pedestrianisation. The sign for Moss Bros, the epitome of smart tailoring for men, is clearly visible.

The Evening Times on November 13 had some helpful cost-saving tips for shoppers as they prepared for Christmas, which were particularly useful that year, as trees were at a premium and holly was scarce.

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“Mistletoe, however, is quite plentiful,” noted our report, “and around 6d (sixpence) a sprig, and you can reverse the seasons by making the house beautiful with spring flowers, grown in Scottish hothouses, from six shillings to seven shillings and sixpence a bunch.”

Our article continued: “Prices in decorations vary – if you want something very attractive but don’t want to spend too much on it, we suggest an American-style door-knocker, consisting of a circle of holly hung with bells and baubles, which will cost you from 12s 6d upwards.”

(Image: Newsquest)

In December, 1962, George Square was being transformed into a “glittering fairyland”, according to this newspaper.

“The scheme of decorations consists principally of four 22-ft high runs of decorative screening in the centre of the large flowerbeds, carrying an arrangement of drapes of fairy lights and metallic glitter garlanding,” we reported.

“Eight smaller Christmas trees with lanterns are grouped around the 45ft Christmas tree supplied by the parks department.”

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In November 1963, Renfield Street was sparkling as stunning festive lights adorned the lamp-posts and buildings.

The Evening Times had some good advice for parents doing some toy shopping for the kids – “automation” was the key that year.

“Guaranteed to bring a sparkle to any child’s eyes on Christmas morning are the mechanical and mobile toys which operate at the flick of a switch or the turn of a key,” we reported.

“Cute and clever, these toys are a sure-fire winner and prices vary from a few shillings to a few pounds.”

At the luxury level, said our reporter, were a life-sized version of Bugs Bunny equipped with a voice which activates when a cord is pulled (£6 10s) and a circus lion that “rears realistically” and even roars when prompted, plus Freddy Flintstones, a little one-man band.

All three toys were on sale at Wylie and Lochhead department store on Buchanan Street.

We added: “From Japan comes a miniature air-liner, which might well top a modern-minded boy’s Christmas list.”

Other toys mentioned in the article included a mechanical toy record player, which “modern misses” might enjoy; and a 10-inch metal spaceman carrying his own flashing ray gun, all available from Lewis’s on Argyle Street.