Everything seems to be about progress, progress, progress! As a parent, I am constantly hearing from kids that things are “old school” or old-fashioned. Now, I like to think I’m as forward-thinking and progressive as the next forty-year-old, but what’s so wrong with a little tradition, that’s what I would like to know?!
I think there are some things that just never go out of style–good manners, nice tablecloths, after-dinner dessert, Sunday afternoon walks–I’m actually a little sad that things like gloves and hats have gone out of style (although I wouldn’t go so far as to advocate for corsets and skirts–I LOVE jeans, sweats, and trousers.) Having connection to some of the best parts of the past can be incredibly wonderful and reassuring. One of my favorite past times is to read old cookbooks and try to recreate old recipes. Reading about all the “traditional” ways to prepare food and traditional menus is quite the education.
I imagine that my children will become more keen on “tradition” as they get a little older. I, too, remember being a teenager and thinking that everything that went before was completely out-dated and not the slightest bit useful to me. It is certainly the way of the youth to be looking forward–progressively preparing to jump into a changing world. But, now that I am older–and I have lived through some of the most sweeping changes to just about every aspect of life in my life-time–I find reassurance and pleasantries in a little bit of “old school” ways. After all, for my kids, anything that happened prior to the 1990’s is considered “old school.” In my way of thinking, shouldn’t something have to be at least 100 years old to be considered archaic? Besides, there is definitely a difference between “traditional” and obsolete!
See Also: Study Says Older Moms Live Longer and Living in the Present