These vintage Macy’s parade photos could trigger some serious family bonding

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place annually in New York City, but watching it on TV, surrounded by your family, is basically a national pastime that’s as essential to the holiday as giving thanks and enjoying delicious food. And in terms of keeping your family relationships healthy and harmonious, watching the floats, marching bands, and lip-syncing celebs together may just be the easiest (and most low-risk) time to connect all day.

Whether you’re viewing the festive spectacle—which has been going strong since 1924—remotely or attending IRL, get in the holiday mindset with these retro photos from past parades. All the good stuff is still there, folks: the Village People (yes, really!), cowgirls, and Disney characters galore.

Get in the holiday spirit with these throwback photos of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

More Thanksgiving intel: Here’s how to create the optimal nap space post-meal today, and how to deal with all of that tryptophan.