It’s 2023. Trends move at rapid speed, barely acknowledging the last within the following weeks. Little by little the things we once used to cherish, become forgotten and in comes the newest fad or fixation of the month, or even the week. Traditions that withstand the test of time have become, in my opinion, so much more important and relevant now than ever before. Sometimes I wonder if I was born in the wrong time period, for I have always had a love for the timelessness of the simple things in life. The little things that should never go out of style, defying the desires of the newest generations. Here’s a list of some of my most favorite traditions of the past that I hope will truly never be forgotten.
The art of letter writing
In a generation where instant messaging someone has become easier than speaking to them directly, writing a letter seems so pointless and dated. However, I feel that a handwritten letter is one of the most beautiful and timeless ways to express how much a person means to you. The act of putting pen to paper, carefully crafting words, and expressing thoughts in one’s own handwriting adds a deeply personal touch to communication. Letters can test the limits of time and be reread and relived for centuries following their initial deliverance. They have served such a significant role in our history and heritage. There is simply nothing more heartfelt and invaluable than raw emotions expressed on paper.
Board Games
While screen based entertainment such as television, video games, and social media have taken over the world, I think it’s extremely important to remember the original source of fun that kept us laughing until past our bedtimes. While still on the shelves, board games have still slowly started to fade as children and families are more inclined to pick online sources of human connection and games in this new digital age. One of the most compelling aspects of a board game is its power to bring people together. Not only do they encourage face-to-face interactions, but they offer a wealth of educational benefits. There is simply nothing that compares to a family game night. The rivalries, laughter, and memories that are created through board games can never be mimicked in the digital age.
Chivalry
While I would call myself a pretty independent woman, I am also pretty old fashioned when it comes to dating. I feel it is very important for a man to open the door for a woman, walk on the side closest to the road, and to speak kindly with manners. I am aware that I can do those things myself. I have and I will do those things. However, the courtesy of a man being a gentleman is one of the traditions I find to be so admirable in todays age. Many men don’t partake in this tradition anymore because they feel the world has changed and they don’t have to treat women with the utmost respect anymore. I feel that chivalry is such a timeless and admirable way to show someone you care, and it should be practiced indefinitely.
Generational Recipes
This one is very personal for me considering I only cook by heart. These recipes hold the flavors and stories of those who came before us, connecting generations through the shared experiences of preparing and savoring meals. In a rapidly changing world, generational recipes provide a sense of continuity, grounding us in traditions that have endured for years. Time-honored recipes are a source of comfort and a way of bringing people together over a shared tradition that is memorized by heart.
reading
The amount of people who have told me they haven’t read a book since middle school is astounding. It almost hurts me in a way. Reading is such an important part of my life. Reading is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth. It opens doors to new worlds, perspectives, and ideas, expanding our horizons beyond the confines of our own experiences. With the enhancement of television and electronics, reading has become useless to younger generations as it is deemed to be boring and a waste of time. But reading offers so much more information than what is gained through a two-hour movie. It’s an immersive experience and it truly cannot be forgotten.