The 1970s were a simpler time, filled with traditions that brought families together in ways that we often overlook today. Before the rise of smartphones, social media, and endless digital distractions, families spent more time connecting face-to-face, whether it was around the dinner table, on a weekend road trip, or during the evening news. These traditions, from homemade ice cream to Sunday family dinners, were more than just activities; they were moments that shaped the bonds between generations.
Yet, as time has passed, many of these beloved rituals have slowly faded into the past. With the rapid pace of technology and changing lifestyles, the importance of spending time together in these meaningful ways has been replaced by quicker, more convenient alternatives. Here are 20 family traditions from the 1970s that we barely have anymore.
1. Traditional ’70s road trips.
Families commonly embarked on long road trips, stopping to camp along the way and enjoy the journey. Without the convenience of GPS, they relied on maps and made spontaneous stops for snacks at quirky roadside attractions—a tradition that has since become a thing of the past.
2. Sunday family dinners.
Families would gather every Sunday for large, home-cooked meals, often featuring roast meats, mashed potatoes, and other comforting dishes. This tradition has since become a thing of the past.
3. Canning vegetables.
Families in the ’70s knew the importance of passing down important knowledge. This included canning vegetables from the home garden, a skill we’ve since deemed unnecessary.
4. Handwritten letters.
There’s something so personal about receiving a handwritten letter. Receiving a happy birthday text is nowhere near as special as getting a letter from a loved one.
5. Having a family photographer.
In the ’70s families often had one member who was the designated family photographer. With the rise of the cell phone, everyone is a photographer today.
6. Home videos.
Looking back at hours of home footage from the 1970s is truly fascinating. The aunt or uncle who always carried around a bulky video camera was the life of every party. However, with smartphones now capturing everyday moments with ease, home videos are slowly becoming a thing of the past.
7. Making homemade ice cream.
It’s extremely easy to walk to any grocery store and buy some ice cream for $5, but there was something beautiful about families using a hand-cranked ice cream maker together.
8. Christmas caroling.
While this still happens here and there, be happy it isn’t happening like it did in the ’70s. People could carol outside your house all day unless you gave them a gift of some sort. Today, that’ll get the cops called.
9. Handmade gifts.
Receiving a homemade rocking horse or chair would still be an amazing gift today. Unfortunately, it isn’t all that popular when buying it from the store is so convenient.
10. Physical discipline.
Getting a belt to the rump wasn’t uncommon in the ’70s, in fact in some cases parents were encouraged to discipline their children this way. Obviously today, we discipline children with a little more grace.
11. Baking homemade bread.
Getting a loaf of bread at the store for $2 is all too easy, but something is amazing about a warm homemade slice of bread. It may take a little more effort, but the outcome is worth it.
12. Pen pals.
Before social media, kids maintained friendships with decorative letters. Children could write all their thoughts and emotions out on a sheet of paper, decorate it, and send it to a friend.
13. Lemonade stands.
These $.05 cups of lemonade were way more important than parents realized. These lemonade stands would test children’s abilities in entrepreneurship, teaching valuable business skills to the kids involved.
14. Family skating trips.
During the winters in the ’70s, ice skating was a popular family activity. Going to a pond or local outdoor rink is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
15. Going to the local pool.
While local pools still exist, many are slowly starting to close due to lack of use. Backyard pools are so popular now, that public pools are dying.
16. Family bike trips.
In the ’70s, families would often go on weekend bike rides with whatever they could carry on their backs. This gave families a chance to explore local parks and trails.
17. Lighting fireworks at home.
Fireworks were a fun and exciting tradition families had the right to do at their own houses. But, since so many accidents occurred, certain safety regulations have been put in place, leaving the fireworks to the professionals.
18. Watching the news together.
Watching the news to check on the weather was a must, especially when waiting to see if there was a snow day. Today, kids can wake up to check their weather app and they’ll receive a text if school is canceled.
19. Going to the drive-in.
While drive-ins still exist, in the ’70s they were visited religiously. Visiting the local drive-in weekly was a must in many households, but with streaming services having virtually every movie ever, drive-ins are starting to fail.
20. Postcards.
While some people still do this today for aesthetics, in the ’70s, it was how you contacted people while traveling. You wouldn’t hear from your brother for months, and all of a sudden, you’d see a postcard from Mexico in the mail.
