20 Family Traditions Only ’60s And ’70s Kids Will Remember
Ah, the ‘60s and ‘70s—a time when family traditions were stitched into everyday life right alongside flared jeans, lava lamps, and the smell of meatloaf wafting through the house. Back then, traditions weren’t curated for Instagram—they just were.
Sunday dinners meant everyone showed up (on time), road trips involved paper maps and at least one meltdown at a rest stop, and holidays? Full-blown productions with matching outfits, cheesy photos, and maybe a rogue fruitcake.
For those of us who grew up during this groovy era, these aren’t just warm, fuzzy memories—they’re legendary family tales that get retold every Thanksgiving… much to the groaning dismay of our TikTok-scrolling kids. So let’s rewind the clock and revisit 20 family traditions that defined a generation.
Whether you remember all of them or just wish you did, grab a can of Jiffy Pop, dust off those rose-colored glasses, and enjoy this joyride down memory lane.
1. Sunday Family Dinners
Sunday dinners were a sacred time in our household, and roast beef, mashed potatoes, and Mom’s “special” green bean casserole were the stars of the show. The rule was simple: no phones, no takeout, and you better eat what’s on your plate.
Picture this: a family gathered around the table, passing dishes and sharing stories about their week. The laughter was contagious, even if the jokes were cornier than the casserole.
Every bite was seasoned with love, and the occasional argument over who got the last piece of pie. These dinners weren’t just meals; they were events, complete with their own drama and comedy.
2. TV Time Meant Together Time
In the era of three-channel television, family TV time was a ritual. One set, three channels, and the whole family gathered ‘round like it was sacred. If you missed it? Too bad. No re-runs till summer!
The living room transformed into a cinema, with Dad in the director’s chair and everyone else vying for the best seat. It was a time of unity, where even commercials sparked debate and laughter.
Remote? What remote? The youngest was the designated channel changer. It was an age where patience was a virtue, and missing a show meant it was gone with the wind until rerun season.
3. Road Trips With No Seatbelts
Ah, the open road, where seatbelts were optional and adventure was mandatory. Road trips meant jammed backseats, maps instead of GPS, and snacks stored in a coffee can.
The car was a playground on wheels—no A/C, just rolled-down windows and that one sibling who always got car sick. Every mile brought new discoveries, from quirky roadside attractions to oddball diners.
Sure, someone always asked, “Are we there yet?” but the journey was half the fun. It was an era of exploration, where getting lost was just another chapter in your travel tale.
4. Holiday Slide Show Nights
Dim the lights and cue the oohs and ahhs—it’s slide show night! Uncle Bob would break out the slide projector, and suddenly, we were on a visual journey of his latest vacation.
The photos were endless, each one an epic tale of waterfalls, sunsets, and awkward poses. Sure, sitting through 47 pictures of Niagara Falls wasn’t always thrilling, but it was a chance to bond and relive shared moments.
We’d groan and giggle in equal measure, secretly hoping our side of the family wouldn’t be next on the slide circuit. It was the original “live-stream” family event.
5. Matching Holiday Outfits
Every holiday was a chance for a sartorial spectacle. Easter and Christmas meant dressing like a color-coordinated barbershop quartet.
The family photos were legendary—everyone matching, from the baby to Grandma, in festive hues that screamed holiday cheer. What we lacked in fashion sense, we made up for in enthusiasm.
Sure, embarrassment ensued, but those outfits were badges of familial unity. Years later, those photos serve as both blackmail and cherished memories.
6. Birthday Parties at Home
Ah, the good old days when birthday parties were homegrown affairs. No bounce houses or hired magicians—just backyard games, a cake your mom made, and 15 screaming kids hopped up on Hawaiian Punch.
The games were simple but thrilling—pin the tail on the donkey, sack races, and musical chairs. Winning a prize was like claiming a mini Oscar.
The homemade cake, with its uneven frosting and slightly tilted candles, was the pièce de résistance. Every kid left with a sugar high and a goodie bag full of memories.
7. Decorating the House for Every Holiday
Our home was a holiday haven, decorated with as much enthusiasm as a Hallmark movie. From paper turkeys for Thanksgiving to cotton ball Santas for Christmas, every occasion had its own flair.
The process was a family affair, with everyone pitching in to hang handmade crafts that would rival any store-bought décor. It was a tapestry of creativity and love.
Nothing was safe from our decorating zeal—not even the family pet, who often ended up with a garland collar or two. It was festive chaos at its finest.
8. Homemade Halloween Costumes
Store-bought costumes? Not on our watch! Halloween was all about creativity and whatever was lying around the house.
You could be a hobo, a ghost, or a cardboard robot made from last week’s appliance box. Each costume was an invention in itself, born from imagination and a bit of duct tape.
These costumes were as much about the making as the wearing, with a dash of laughter and endless creativity. Trick-or-treating was like a parade of homemade marvels.
9. Annual Family Reunions in the Park
Family reunions were our version of the Olympics—complete with potato salad and lawn darts (the dangerous kind). Every summer, we’d gather in the park for a day of laughter and friendly competition.
Coolers filled with soda pop and watermelon slices were our fuel, while lawn games like horseshoes kept the rivalry alive. There was always that one cousin who brought fireworks to end the day with a bang.
These reunions were more than just picnics; they were a celebration of family ties and the occasional sibling showdown.
10. Camping Trips With Actual Tents
Camping in the ‘70s was the real deal—no RVs or glamping here. Just mosquito bites, burnt marshmallows, and that one night Dad forgot how to build a fire.
The great outdoors was our playground, with tents that required a degree in engineering to assemble. Nights were spent telling ghost stories under the stars, with the occasional rustle in the bushes providing extra drama.
We’d return home with tales as grand as any explorer and a new appreciation for indoor plumbing.
11. Weekly Chore Charts
Weekly chore charts were our introduction to the working world. No allowance without effort meant mopping, dusting, and raking until Mom’s standards were met.
The chart was a mosaic of responsibilities, each square a task that taught us discipline and the value of a job well done. Missing a spot meant starting over, but the reward was worth the toil.
These chores were a rite of passage, and the satisfaction of a completed chart was its own kind of payday.
12. Themed TV Dinners on Metal Trays
Ah, the TV dinner, a ‘70s culinary centerpiece. Swanson’s finest served on metal trays, complete with mystery meat and a brownie that could remove fillings.
Each bite was an adventure, as we balanced our trays on laps and watched our favorite shows. It was a weekly treat, bringing a taste of the future into our living rooms.
Sure, they weren’t gourmet, but these meals were about convenience and novelty, a prelude to modern fast food.
13. Going to the Drive-In as a Family
Drive-in theaters were the ultimate family outing. We’d pile into the car in our pajamas, ready for a night under the stars.
Soda in glass bottles and popcorn buckets the size of small children were our movie snacks. The first feature was a communal experience, filled with laughter and the occasional “shush.”
Inevitably, someone dozed off before the second feature, but the magic of the drive-in lingered on like the scent of popcorn.
14. Making Christmas Ornaments Together
Creating Christmas ornaments was a family affair, where glue, glitter, and pasta shells reigned supreme.
Each ornament was a testament to our artistic prowess—or lack thereof. The results were often hideous, but the memories? Priceless.
Every year, hanging those homemade creations on the tree was a reminder of family togetherness and the joy of unpolished creativity.
15. Family Game Night
Family game night was a battleground of wits and patience. Monopoly marathons and Uno wars were the norm, with no one leaving the table until tears or a board flip occurred.
These nights were filled with strategy, alliances, and the occasional “You cheated!” accusation.
No matter the outcome, the real winner was family camaraderie, and the laughs that echoed long after the games were packed away.
16. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Together
Thanksgiving morning meant only one thing—the Macy’s Parade! Giant balloons and freezing marching bands on TV marked the holiday kickoff.
The living room was a sea of blankets and whispers of “Look at that one!” as floats passed by on screen.
It was a spectacle, a tradition that warmed the room, even as the outside world froze.
17. Picnics With Homemade Everything
Picnics were a culinary adventure, with every dish crafted at home. Fried chicken, deviled eggs, and Tupperware lemonade were staples.
The park was our dining room, nature’s backdrop to our homemade feast. Each bite was a testament to Mom’s kitchen prowess.
No drive-thru bags here, just a true taste of homemade goodness shared with the ones we loved.
18. Record Night in the Living Room
Record night was a symphony of nostalgia. Mom and Dad spun their favorite vinyl, teaching us the true sound of music.
The living room was alive with melodies, each song a memory etched in time. No skipping allowed; each track told its story.
It was a lesson in patience, and a reminder that the best things in life are worth the wait.
19. Fireworks on the 4th From the Car Trunk
The 4th of July meant one thing—fireworks from the car trunk. We’d pack blankets and snacks, ready for the night sky’s pyrotechnic show.
The explosions painted the sky in vibrant hues, each boom resonating with the crowd’s cheers. It was a celebration of freedom and family.
The view from the trunk was unparalleled, a front-row seat to the spectacle of American spirit.
20. Annual School Photo Display Wall
Every year brought a new addition to the family gallery—the school photo wall. Each sibling’s awkward hair phase was documented for posterity.
The wall was a timeline of growth and questionable fashion choices, updated once a year without fail.
These photos were a snapshot of childhood, a testament to the passage of time and the inevitability of change.