Boomers Have Spoken: 18 Traditions They Want To Uphold But Gen Z Says “Need To Go”

As boomers fondly clutch onto practices that evoke nostalgia, Gen Z is at the next counter, eagerly trading in the old for a dash of modern sparkle. From handwritten notes to digital memos, from piggy banks to digital wallets—the dance between ‘then’ and ‘now’ has never been more lively. Join us as we explore 18 traditions that boomers want to uphold but Gen Z says need to go.

Sending Holiday Cards

Sending Physical Greeting Cards
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

For many boomers, the festive season wasn’t complete without sending and receiving holiday cards. These tangible greetings reinforced bonds across distances. While Gen Z may send digital greetings or use social media shoutouts, the heartfelt sentiment of a physical card’s touch and feel remains unmatched.

Sunday Church Services

Photo Credit: Maleo/Shutterstock.

Religious or not, Sunday church services were a cornerstone for many boomers. It wasn’t just about faith; it was community, ritual, and tradition. Gen Z, living in a diverse and rapidly changing world, is not as keen on this tradition. According to The Survey Center On American Life, only 40% of Gen Zers “say they attended church weekly.” 

Handwritten Letters

Handwritten Letters
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Handwritten letters, with their tactile sensation and unique touch, are deeply valued by boomers. Memories resonate with the texture of paper, and every pen movement conveys deep emotions. However, Gen Z, products of a digital era, predominantly use emails and instant messaging, yet they acknowledge the profound sentiment attached to a physical letter.

Local Community Gatherings

Huge Music Festivals
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

For boomers, local community gatherings like town hall meetings and festivals signify unity and shared experiences. It’s about togetherness, community, and shared history. Gen Z is often more influenced by their online communities.

Gardening as a Weekend Activity

When People Do Genuinely Nice Things Without Expecting a Reward or Recognition for It
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Gen Z, while fascinated by the natural world, blends it with urban sustainability. They bring fresh twists to gardening through techniques like hydroponics and vertical plantations, marrying age-old practices with contemporary technology. But for many boomers, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a means of soulful rejuvenation.  

Formal Dress Codes

I Hate My Wife_ Jokes
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Sticking to dress codes and differentiating between casual and formal wear is important for boomers, seeing a suit or formal dress as a sign of respect. Meanwhile, Gen Z places a premium on comfort and individual style in their fashion choices, pushing boundaries and opting for more flexible dress standards.

Family Sunday Dinners

Photo Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.

Sunday dinners symbolize more than just a meal. It’s a cherished ritual for boomers, where families gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy home-cooked dishes. On the other hand, The New York Post published the findings of a poll by OnePoll that found Gen Z often values having a “love of food” rather than “spending time with family.”

Annual Family Reunions

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.

Yearly family reunions were not merely gatherings for boomers. They were crucial anchors, fortifying familial bonds. Nowadays, Gen Z prefers a more flexible approach, thanks to technologies like video calls, allowing everyone to be constantly connected.

Printed Newspapers and Magazines

Reading Newspapers
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Gen Z predominantly turns to apps and blogs for their news updates, yet fresh newspapers and periodicals were morning staples for boomers, offering them insight into world events. 

Collecting Stamps and Coins

Photo Credit: 279photo Studio/Shutterstock.

Boomers often indulged in collecting stamps and coins, each piece narrating a story from a different corner of the world. Although Gen Z has myriad collectibles in the digital realm, there’s not much space for this tradition in the typical Gen Zer’s life.

Paying with Checks

Writing Checks
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In a tap-and-go era, the idea of writing checks might seem quaint and unnecessary to Gen Z. However, the ceremonious feel of penning amounts and signing off, a ritual boomers practiced, holds a charm that transcends mere transaction.

Going to Libraries for Research

Public Libraries
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Google might be Gen Z’s first stop for a quick fact-check, but the charm of wandering library aisles, which boomers know all too well, is an experience that continues to beckon the curious.

Broadcasting Over the Radio

Photo Credit: Alex Maryna/Shutterstock.

Radios were the soul of many boomer households, broadcasting tales that brought communities together. However, mention ‘radio’ to Gen Z, and you might get a quizzical look. They’re mostly wrapped up in their curated podcast playlists, rarely diving into the spontaneous world of radio waves.

Community Volunteering

Photo Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.

While boomers often rolled up their sleeves to volunteer within their local neighborhoods, Gen Z navigates a different landscape. With the world’s issues at their fingertips and digital tools in hand, they’re reshaping community service, making a difference both locally and online.

Milk Delivery

Photo Credit: 1000 Words/Shutterstock.

Remember the good ol’ days when the clink of milk bottles on the doorstep was our version of a morning alarm? Boomers do! But for Gen Z, it’s not just milk—it’s everything from avocados to zucchini! While they’re used to summoning deliveries with a click, every so often, they get a taste of yesteryears with some artisanal throwbacks. Ah, nostalgia with a side of modern convenience.

Physical Recipe Books

Photo Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.

Ah, the days when a sauce-stained recipe book held generations of culinary wisdom! Those were the treasures boomers guarded in their kitchens. Nowadays, Gen Z is really deep in the realm of digital recipes

Home Libraries

Photo Credit: ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock.

Shelves filled with books painted many boomers’ walls, each title marking a phase, a memory. Gen Z, while housing vast digital libraries, continues to value the aesthetics, nostalgia, and tactile pleasure of physical books.

Saving with Piggy Banks

Photo Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.

Our first foray into finance? Trusting Mr. Piggy Bank with our precious pennies. Fast forward, and Gen Z’s banking might involve more digital beeps than clinks of coins. While they might see our ceramic banks as adorable antiques, the golden rule of saving still rings true, no matter the method. 

MORE FROM LOVED BY CURLS – 17 EVERYDAY ITEMS IN YOUR PARENT’S HOUSE THAT ARE WORTH A SMALL FORTUNE

Photo Credit: Always Say YESS/Shutterstock.

Looking to make a quick buck? What better way than by helping your family clean out their old collectibles? Read on for the 17 gold-mine products you’ll want to keep your eye out for.

17 EVERYDAY ITEMS IN YOUR PARENT’S HOUSE THAT ARE WORTH A SMALL FORTUNE

RED FLAGS AHEAD: 17 TYPES OF MEN YOU WANT TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Photo Credit: Ollyy/Shutterstock.

People don’t always get along, but in some cases, there are types of people you would rather avoid altogether. A recent internet survey asked, “What type of men do you avoid?” Here are the top 17 answers.

RED FLAGS AHEAD: 17 TYPES OF MEN YOU WANT TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS

STUCK IN THE PAST? 21 HOME DECOR ITEMS THAT INSTANTLY EXPOSES YOU AS A BOOMER

Photo Credit: ShotPrime Studio/Shutterstock.

Some things never change, and a few products hold onto the past. Here are 21 items that scream ‘Boomer’ and are associated with outdated technology and nostalgic trinkets. Check your home to see if you have any of these relics.

STUCK IN THE PAST? 21 HOME DECOR ITEMS THAT INSTANTLY EXPOSES YOU AS A BOOMER

24 ANNOYING THINGS WOMEN WISH ALL MEN WOULD STOP DOING RIGHT NOW

Photo Credit: Bernardo Emanuelle/Shutterstock.

Despite the progress made towards gender equality, there are still numerous frustrating and annoying experiences that many women encounter and wish men would refrain from doing. Here are 24 examples of such behaviors:

24 ANNOYING THINGS WOMEN WISH ALL MEN WOULD STOP DOING RIGHT NOW

15 THINGS BOOMERS SAY THAT GEN Z THINKS ARE INAPPROPRIATE

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Everyone has their quirks, but at times, Boomers can be downright cringe-worthy. From uncomfortable jokes to clearly outdated references, here are 15 things that Boomers say that Gen Z tends to find very, very inappropriate.

15 THINGS BOOMERS SAY THAT GEN Z THINKS ARE INAPPROPRIATE