Old Fashioned Entertainments We Should Bring Back

There are so many old fashioned ways that people used to spend their time, daily and weekly events that people looked forward to that we don’t seem to do today. Most of these relied minimally on technology and didn’t require loads of money. But, they were the fun things that folks looked forward to. It would be great to see some of these things brought back, if for no other reason than it usually meant we could spend more time with our loved ones.

Reading the Newspaper

Some people years ago would have read the newspaper for the news and stocks, disregarding the more entertaining aspects of the paper. Others would read the paper front to back, absorbing both the serious and the fun information. It was where people got fashion inspiration, where housewives got new recipes, where love advice was published, where comics and social events were covered, and it was the main window to the world for many. One paper (or sections of it) would be passed around the family, dorm room, etc. until everyone had a chance to read the sections they wanted.

The nice thing about the paper was that it was finite. At some during the process of reading it you would come to end and go do something else. unlike today when news is on a 24-hour cycle.

Going to Drive-Ins

Going to the drive-in theater was a big event back in the day. It was worth packing into the car with your friends or family.

You could talk as much as you wanted since you were in your own car. However, if you were on a picnic blanket on the ground you would be shushed by others for talking. Instead of being locked away in a dark theater and forgetting what time of day it was, at a drive-in we got to enjoy the weather. And, you could choose to either buy snacks from the concession stand or to bring your own (more economical) snacks from home. And, if you didn’t book it after the first film you could simply stay for the next movie!

Listening to Records

Back in the day your record collection was everything- no matter how big or how small. Since space and money were limited, you’d end up bringing records or traveling to friends’ houses to hear the tracks you didn’t have. It might be on in the background or you might dance the night away. The choice was yours!

To see which of the latest records were out, you’d go to record shops with your friends. It was a much more involved experience than how we listen to music today, but man, was it so much fun!

Partner Dancing

Today many folks don’t know how to waltz or foxtrot or salsa. But, there was a time when the only dancing was partner dancing. It was unheard of to dance alone- you always danced with someone else. Even in the early days of disco partner dancing was what many people did in the club. It was only in the 1980s that the tradition began to fall away.

Dances were where you could get to know your sweetheart and dance with them all night. Or you could dance with lots of different folks if you were single. It was considered by many at the time as an essential skill to have in your wheelhouse for proper socializing.

Family Dinners

There was a time when family dinners were not optional. Pretty much every night you’d eat together at the table, no radio or TV on in the background. Just family conversation and good, home cooked food, and a chance to teach the kids manners. Even as most of our lives became busier over the years, it was still a goal to have this kind of meal as often as possible. Nowadays many households mainly have this type of meal on Sundays or at the holidays. Back then it was a nice and relaxing way to ease into every evening, no distractions. And, afterwards the cleanup helped teach the kids how to do do chores.

Window Shopping

Today we can browse endlessly online, but in the old days we would window shop. It was a chance to connect with friends and family and discuss our goals, hopes, style, and even try things out. You could see the items in your hands and even if you didn’t buy anything it was still a fun time. You certainly got your steps in and worked up an appetite. A little stop at the diner or lunch counter made the outing even more fun. You could spend the whole day together and only spend a dollar or two on food. Those were the days!