Traditions Worth Keeping Alive in a Modern World

Chasing after the latest trends has made many of us feel a disorienting loss of cultural memory. So many good traditions are being lost to the sands of time, and with them, a sense of identity and a deep connection to the past. It’s not inevitable though. We can choose, right from where we are, to preserve and restore some of these great traditions, and in doing so, build a better future for our children.

Dressing up just because

In the age of fast fashion, we’ve traded our finest clothes for, well— what’s comfortable and convenient. I get it. The idea of dressing up just for the heck of it seems quaint and unnecessarily formal. But consider what we’re throwing away: a sense of occasion, a bit of pomp, some style. I’m not saying we all need to wear suits, just that there’s a time and place for going a step beyond what’s expected and letting it lift your mood.

Taking your lunch break

Where has the lunch break gone? From what I’ve seen it’s been replaced by a quick bite to eat at our desks while we continue to work. That may squeeze out a little more productivity, but at what cost? I think we sever the connection between our work and our leisure, and end up far too focused on efficiency. I say bring back the lunch break and throw in a walk around the block while you’re at it!

Writing letters with pen and paper

I’m glad that email, text, and messaging services exist. I use them everyday and they make my life better and easier. But in completely giving up on handwritten notes we’re losing something unique. There’s an intimacy and permanence that comes with pen and paper. You can see a person’s handwriting or doodles, and in a way, feel closer to them. I say keep writing notes and let both forms of communication exist happily together.

Sunday afternoon naps

Have you ever heard the phrase, “There’s nothing like a good Sunday nap. Laying on the couch not wanting to be anywhere.” I think there’s something uniquely glorious about a Sunday nap. It’s the height of leisure, a deep and peaceful rest that feels more rejuvenating than a normal sleep. I’m nostalgic for more naps that feel like that, and I think we could all benefit from a little more daytime rest.

Reading the newspaper

I think some of my happiest memories from childhood involve my grandparents reading the newspaper in the morning. They would read from the living room and, when done, pass the paper over to me. I loved the quiet and relaxed pace of life that this simple routine brought to their mornings. I think in an age of fast news and constant distraction, there’s a place for an honest attempt to slow down and catch your breath.

Listening to classical music

My musical tastes are wide and varied, spanning from pop, to hip hop, rock, country and folk— you name it and I’ll probably find something I like. But there’s something about classical music that is truly timeless. I think it touches on some universal themes about the human experience and brings me into a state of deeper reflection. I’d love to see a resurgence of this type of music and the unique gifts it has to offer a wide variety of listeners.

Standing up to greet people

When I was young I remember learning that it was a nice gesture to stand up when someone else enters the room. Maybe because it’s not something everyone does anymore, this act seems to carry even more weight. It’s such a simple sign of respect, and an easy way to put another human on a pedestal. I think, if anything, we could all use more of these small gestures and the bit of warmth that they bring to our conversations.

Cultivating lifelong hobbies

Do people still have hobbies in the digital age or are we happy just scrolling our screens for entertainment? I think what we call hobbies today are generally things we do when there’s nothing better to do. But hobbies in a deeper sense represent an activity that we engage in purely for the love of it and for no other reason. I think one of the most fulfilling things we can do for ourselves is to find a hobby and pour ourselves into it— allowing it to become a meaningful endeavor over a long period of time.

Handcrafting things with wood

As the son of a carpenter I may be biased, but working in wood has a long and rich tradition among various cultures. One of the main benefits of any hobby is the way it pushes back on the pace and priorities of the modern world. Woodworking is about patience, artistry, and craft. It values precision and steadiness over speed and agility. And its output is something useful and beautiful— a visual delight to the senses.

Using cash instead of credit cards

Surely there’s a place in this world for credit cards— as a means of convenience and security they are hard to beat. But what I miss most and wish to see restored is the act of using cash to purchase something. I think our whole relationship with money has shifted since the advent of credit cards and not always for the better. Using cash puts you in touch with the true cost of an item in a way that feels more real and tangible. That simple act of thinking hard about where your cash is going is something that has a big impact on one’s budget.

Getting to know your neighbors

I think we’ve all heard our grandparents talk about how things used to be— everyone knew their neighbors and people looked out for each other. There’s no doubt that the forces of modern society have changed that in a significant way. Our relationships are now more centered in areas of shared interests like churches and workplaces. But I don’t think we should give up completely. Being friendly with our neighbors or even becoming good friends is still possible, and I think a more robust version of community may leave us all better off.

Sunday drives without a destination

I have fond memories of my parents and grandparents bringing me along on a Sunday drive after church. These trips didn’t have a destination, and the goal was to find a scenic route and enjoy the pleasures of an unhurried drive. Along the way we would talk and eat snacks, and in this way, enjoy each others company while doing something a little different. I miss the days when Sunday was a quieter day with less commitments, and more time for spontaneous fun with the people you loved.

Volunteering your time

What has happened to the spirit of volunteerism in our culture? That’s a complex question and one that’s beyond the scope of this article, but suffice to say it’s on the decline. I think the key to a thriving community is one in which people give back the equivalent of what they take out— and in such a place, benefits would flow abundantly to all. I would love to see a revival of this old-fashioned idea of volunteerism, and a new generation rediscovering the satisfaction of giving yourself away for a cause that you believe in.

Walking from place to place

In many parts of the world, walking remains a primary method of getting around. Some walk out of necessity and others for convenience, but either way, there are many reasons to keep this tradition alive. One of the best is simply for the exercise, but I think there’s more. Walking is a much slower way to experience the world and not the most efficient, but in exchange it provides a simpler and less complicated life that could be good for our souls.

Conclusion:

Traditions are the living threads that connect us to our past and shape our present. In a world that moves ever faster, let’s commit to preserving these timeless practices, not merely for nostalgia’s sake, but for the richer, more meaningful lives they help us lead.