Remember when Sundays were for family drives and writing a letter was the only way to talk to someone long-distance? Sadly, many of these traditions have become completely forgotten, with many younger people having no idea about them today. Here are 25 old-school traditions and why we’ve forgotten about them.
Sunday Suppers
Back in the day, we all used to gather around the table for Sunday dinner. The food was delicious, and this was also a time to catch up and share stories. These days, it’s hard enough to get everyone in the same room, let alone simultaneously. And trying to get them to pay attention to the conversation instead of their phones? That’s pretty much impossible.
Sidewalk Chalk
When bored, we’d grab a piece of chalk and turn the sidewalk into a masterpiece of art. Why? Because we could. You could show off your creative skills, and, who knows, you could even make friends with one of the neighbors walking by. Sadly, most kids are too interested in their screens to bother, and changes in laws have put a stop to any that want to try.
Pen Pals and Love Letters
Writing letters by hand was the only way to stay in touch with people, and there was something magical about opening a letter to read words just for you. Now, everyone would rather send a text or even an email to get their point across. Quick? Definitely. But personal? Not so much.
Neighborly Drop-Ins
Visiting your neighbors unannounced wasn’t a big deal because it was a friendly thing to do. But try that today, and you might star in a surprise TikTok video because our sense of community has disappeared. Our doors are no longer always open, and the closest thing we have to a neighborly drop-in is a quick text to see if we’re around.
Everybody’s Canning
Canning fruits and vegetables was a family event that kept the pantry stocked and taught us the importance of patience. Sadly, nobody has time for it, especially since there’s a grocery store on every corner. It’s a real shame because there’s no joy quite like popping open a jar of summer peaches in the dead of winter.
Sewing Circles
In the past, people cared about making things last, which meant getting out the sewing kit to fix a shirt with a tear. When you sewed with friends, you could share some tips and tea with each other in a way that you never could during a shopping trip. Sadly, the rise of fast fashion has made it much cheaper and faster to buy. But where’s the love in that?
Cloth Diapers
Even though they were a chore, cloth diapers used to be the only kind around, and they were much better for the planet than disposable diapers. The worst part was that it took a look of effort to wash them. But while parents today might be shocked at the extra laundry, cloth diapers remind us of a time when every little bit saved counted for a lot in the long run.
Grandma’s Remedies
Got a cough? Grandma had a special potion for that. Everyone had their special home remedies made with love, which you can’t find on a pharmacy shelf. Of course, people still have home remedies today, but most people would rather go to the drugstore than wait around for that special soup.
Gift Wrapping
Reusing wrapping paper and ribbons sounds like a thrifty trick, but it was so much more than that. You had to be creative in deciding how to reuse the paper and unwrap any presents. Half the fun was figuring out how we’d use it again. Now, people rip and toss without considering the effort required for each presentation.
Tupperware Time
Who didn’t love a good old Tupperware party? They were a time to socialize and even get a gift to take home in hand containers. Of course, online shopping is convenient, but it’ll never compare to the laughter we’d get from these parties. It was a type of retail therapy that came with social bonding, too.
Radio Dramas
A long time ago, we’d all gather around the radio for the latest episode of a drama because there was no such thing as binge-watching shows. And you definitely wouldn’t do this alone. Radio dramas helped expand our imaginations, creating images in our minds that were just as vivid as any you’d find on the screen.
Shiny Shoes
Polishing your shoes meant taking pride in your appearance, and the time spent polishing them was a moment of calm as you prepared for the week ahead. These days, sneakers rule, and shoe polish is just gathering dust in the cupboard. Maybe that’s why we don’t seem to care much about them anymore.
Library Adventures
Getting a new library card was one of the most exciting moments because it opened you up to a whole world of adventures and mysteries. E-books are great, but they can’t compare to the smell and feel of old pages. Library cards don’t hold the sense of greatness they once did.
Green Stamp
We loved collecting Green Stamps, and the moment we got to redeem them, It was like hitting the jackpot. They were an early form of loyalty points, but they felt so much better than that. Green Stamps made shopping like a game, with each purchase bringing you a step closer to an actual reward.
Board Games
Board games brought everyone to the table for friendly competition and were interactive in the best way. Now, game night usually means everyone in their own digital world playing together but not being together. Board games taught us some important life skills, the biggest of all being how to be a gracious loser.
Puzzle Parties
Clicking puzzles together on a screen is less satisfying than completing a real-life jigsaw puzzle. It was an excellent way to bond with those around you as you worked together to find the right piece for the right place. You had to be patient, which is a real rarity in today’s rush for instant gratification.
Potluck Pleasure
Once upon a time, food was a time for sharing, not eating, and the greatest example of this was during a potluck. It was when you showed off your cooking skills and tasted the community’s best. Unfortunately, health concerns and our busy lives have made these gatherings far and few between.
Knit and Natter
Knitting and crocheting together with other people is a tradition that, unfortunately, has been completely unraveled by mass production. When you heard the click of needles, you knew it was time for some gossip and laughter. And the best part of all? You’d get a nice piece of handmade clothing at the end.
Homemade Ice Cream Socials
Making ice cream at home is always a fun way to beat the heat, but it was an event for the whole neighborhood back in the day. Everyone would take turns cranking the ice cream maker while kids played and waited for their sweet treat. Today, you can get store-bought ice cream in any flavor you can imagine.
Stargazing
Before smartphones and streaming, people would spend evenings under the clear skin, lying on blankets in the backyard and staring at the stars. It was a time when you could fully appreciate our universe’s size while sharing stories and dreams. Sadly, city light pollution has stopped our chances of doing this again.
Family Storytime
Family time used to include reading stories aloud and experiencing the fun of literary adventures without screens. Our parents would change their voices for each character, and everyone would hold their breath until the very end. These family storytimes brought everyone closer; your imagination was the only limit.
Square Dances
Square dances are a bit of a novelty today, but it was a very different story before. They were an unusual kind of community gathering where you could join in the fun, no matter your age. There were spins and calls to get on your feet to enjoy yourself. Yes, there might be some today, but they’re nothing like the ones we remember.
Payphones
Before smartphones, finding a payphone was a mini-adventure that was part of our daily routine. You’d spent minutes, maybe even hours, hunting one down while also exploring the city you were in. It might’ve been a challenge to make a call with all the noise, but it was something we’d love to experience again.
Movie Nights
If you don’t fancy going to the movie theater, you can always watch films on a projector at home. Suddenly, family movie night felt like a legit thing. Unlike the instant gratification of streaming, setting up the projector and finding the best spot took time, but it was worth it. This was a time for creating memories, not merely watching a movie.
Front Porch Evenings
The front porch was like an extension of our living rooms, where you’d wind down after a day’s work or maybe talk to your neighbors as they walked past. But the arrival of air conditioning and television have made these places pretty much useless. As much as we’re grateful for them, we still miss the memories that the front porch made.
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