Growing up, I often heard stories from my parents and grandparents about the good old days. They’d talk about traditions and habits that were once a big deal but now seem outdated. It’s funny how times change. What was cool back then might not be so cool now. In fact, some of those old traditions are now the butt of jokes.
This list looks at 15 traditions that Baby Boomers held dear but that younger folks today often ridicule.
Watching TV shows when they air
Boomers planned their evenings around TV schedules. They’d rush home to catch their favorite shows, gather the family around the TV, and chat about episodes the next day. With streaming services and on-demand viewing, the idea of being tied to a TV schedule seems outdated to many young people.
Using paper maps
Boomers took pride in their map-reading skills. They’d unfold huge paper maps, plot routes, and navigate by landmarks. It was a crucial skill for road trips. Today, with GPS and smartphone navigation, the sight of someone wrestling with a paper map often draws laughs from younger folks.
Collecting physical photo albums
Boomers loved creating and flipping through photo albums. They’d carefully arrange photos, write captions, and show them off to visitors. It was a way to preserve memories. Now, with digital photos and social media, the idea of storing physical photos in bulky albums seems unnecessary to many young people.
Using encyclopedias for research
Boomers invested in huge sets of encyclopedias. They’d turn to these books for school projects, general knowledge, and settling arguments. It was a sign of a well-educated household. Today, with the internet at our fingertips, the idea of flipping through heavy books for information seems outdated to younger generations.
Talking on landline phones
The landline phone was once the heart of home communication. Boomers spent hours chatting with friends and family, twirling the cord as they talked. They even had special tables just for the phone. Now, with smartphones everywhere, the idea of being tethered to a wall while talking seems silly to many young people.
Writing checks
Boomers loved their checkbooks. They’d carefully write out each payment, keep a running balance, and file away the carbon copies. It was a point of pride to have a neat, organized checkbook. Today, with online banking and digital payments, writing checks is seen as slow and old-fashioned.
Using phone books
Remember those thick yellow books that listed everyone’s phone number? Boomers relied on them to find businesses and friends. They’d flip through pages, circle numbers, and keep them by the phone. Now, with online searches and digital contacts, phone books seem like ancient relics to younger generations.
Memorizing phone numbers
Boomers prided themselves on remembering dozens of phone numbers by heart. They’d dial from memory and could recite friends’ numbers easily. Now, with contacts stored in smartphones, the skill of memorizing numbers is often seen as unnecessary and even a bit strange by younger folks.
Using film cameras
Boomers cherished their film cameras. They’d carefully compose shots, wait for film development, and excitedly pick up their prints. It was an art form and a way to capture memories. Today, with digital cameras and instant photo sharing, the process of using film seems slow and outdated to many young people.
Keeping a Rolodex
Boomers loved their rolodexes. They’d carefully write out contact cards, organize them alphabetically, and flip through them to find numbers. It was a sign of a well-connected person. Now, with digital contact lists, the sight of a Rolodex on a desk often draws confused looks from younger generations.
Using typewriters
Boomers took pride in their typing skills on manual typewriters. They’d load paper, align margins, and type carefully to avoid mistakes. It was a crucial office skill. Today, with computers and autocorrect, the clickety-clack of a typewriter seems quaint and inefficient to many young people.
Listening to radio shows
Boomers gathered around radios for entertainment. They’d tune in to their favorite shows, listen to radio dramas, and catch up on the news. It was a shared family experience. Now, with podcasts and on-demand audio, the idea of waiting for a specific radio show time seems outdated to younger generations.
Using fax machines
Boomers saw fax machines as cutting-edge technology. They’d send important documents, wait for confirmation beeps, and marvel at long-distance communication. It was a staple in offices. Today, with email and digital file sharing, the sight of a fax machine often draws laughs from younger folks.
Reading print newspapers daily
Boomers started their days with print newspapers. They’d unfold the pages, read thoroughly, and discuss news with colleagues. It was a sign of being well-informed. Now, with online news and social media updates, the idea of waiting for a paper to be delivered seems slow and outdated to many young people.
Using phone booths
Boomers relied on phone booths for communication on the go. They’d carry change, duck into booths, and make quick calls. It was a common sight in cities. Today, with cell phones everywhere, phone booths are rare and often seen as relics of the past by younger generations.
12 Effective Ways to Combat Loneliness
12 Effective Ways to Combat Loneliness
21 Vintage Finds That Are Worth More Than You Think
21 Vintage Finds That Are Worth More Than You Think
18 Dangerous Ways The World Has Changed Since the 1960s
