Glo Back: Hottest Trends of December 1983

Freeze Frame

A Christmas Story opened two weeks before Thanksgiving in 1983. Although it wasn't an instant hit, in the years the followed, TV airings made the movie into a classic—and a holiday tradition for many. On the off chance that you've never seen it, you'll have 24 hours to check it out, starting Dec. 24 at at 8PM when the TBS marathon begins.

ON BING: Find the film's most memorable quotes

Toy Story

This was the year of Cabbage Patch Kids madness, as parents battled over the dolls at toy stores across the country. One Kansas City father made headlines when he flew to London to obtain the must-have present for his daughter.

Good Timing

Another gift under many a tree? Swiss-made Swatch watches, which debuted in '83. Costing $35, the watches were both fashionable and affordable. Today, original Swatch watches (now considered "vintage") are being offered on eBay for up to $700.

Hold The Phone

Long before the itty-bitty smartphones of today, Motorola introduced the first commercially sold cell phone, the DynaTAC 8000X. The hefty device weighed nearly two pounds, was 10 inches high, and cost a hefty $3,995.

Made In The Shades

With Tom Cruise's performance in Risky Business, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, originally released in 1956, enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Although sales waned in the '90s, by 2008 the sunglasses were on their way to a second comeback, thanks in part to Robert Pattinson's Edward Cullen sporting the vintage shades in Twilight.

Thrill Ride

On December 2, the 14-minute Thriller music video was released with Michael Jackson (alongside former Playmate Ola Ray) sporting his iconic red jacket. In '84, the video won an MTV Video Music Award for both Best Overall Performance in a Video and Best Choreography.

MORE ON GLO: Greatest Hits from the MTV Video Music Awards

A Good Run

Made up of Joseph Run Simmons (later Rev Run,) Darryl D.M.C. McDaniels, and Jason Jam-Master Jay Mizell, hip hop trio Run–D.M.C. released their first single "It's Like That/Sucker MCs" in late 1983. The legendary group went on to release more hits including "You Be Illin'" and a remake of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way."

Drama Queen

Big hair and bigger sleeves reigned in the '80s. On Dynasty, Joan Collins's scheming Alexis epitomized the lavish lifestyle. In this Dec. 21 episode, the usual drama was momentarily set aside with cameo appearances by former President and Mrs. Gerald Ford and Henry Kissinger. Of course, the always scheming Alexis managed to squeeze in this quip to Kissinger: ''Henry, hello. I haven't seen you since Portofino. It was fun.''

Miami Heat

December 9 marked the premiere of Scarface, starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie helped put Miami's nightclub scene on the map, along with newcomer Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, pictured. The actress made her film debut as Gina Montana, sister to Pacino's Tony Montana.

A Leg Up

Following the popularity of Jane Fonda's Workout, the actress-turned-exercise maven released Jane Fonda's Workout Challenge. (Note the legwarmers, a trend that crossed over from the workout scene to mainstream.)

MORE ON GLO: Jane Fonda's Beauty & Style Evolution