There’s a particular nostalgia attached to growing up in the ’60s or ’70s.
The difference between then and now is like night and day – just think about after-dinner rituals.
These were not just simple routines, but memory-making moments that defined our childhood.
If you recall those certain post-meal practices, then you, my friend, are a true child of the ’60s or ’70s.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce over these 8 after-dinner rituals.
1) Family game night
If you’re a true ’60s or ’70s child, then the notion of a family game night wouldn’t be alien to you.
In an era before the digital age, family bonding was centered around the dining table even after the dinner was cleared.
Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue were more than just games; they were traditions that brought everyone together.
The joy of victory, the agony of defeat, and the thrill of competition – these were lessons learned at home, over games that required strategic thinking and a dash of luck.
If your post-dinner ritual involved rolling dice or strategizing over a game board, then it’s undeniable that you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s.
Family game night wasn’t just about fun; it was about creating memories that would last a lifetime.
2) The familiar sound of vinyl
Growing up in the ’70s, there was always a certain soundtrack to our post-dinner activities.
The soft crackling sound of a needle touching down on a vinyl record brings back vivid memories of my childhood.
Every night after dinner, my dad would take out his favorite records and put them on his prized turntable.
The house would fill with the warm tunes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, or sometimes a little bit of ABBA.
As he swayed and tapped his foot to the rhythm, we all would join in, turning our living room into a mini dance floor.
So if your evenings were filled with the iconic tunes played on vinyl records, you’re undoubtedly a child of the golden era – the ’60s or ’70s.
3) Winding down with Walter Cronkite
The ’60s and ’70s were decades of significant historical events. From the Vietnam War to the moon landing, these eras were loaded with monumental moments.
And the way most families stayed informed was by clustering around the television after dinner to catch the evening news.
Walter Cronkite, also known as “the most trusted man in America,” was a staple in many homes during this time.
His CBS Evening News broadcast was a go-to source for the latest happenings around the globe.
This ritual wasn’t just about catching up on current affairs; it was also about a shared experience, where families could discuss and react to world events together.
If your post-dinner routine included a date with Walter Cronkite, then you’re definitely a product of the ’60s or ’70s.
4) The tradition of handwritten letters
In the age of emails and social media, it’s hard to remember a time when communication was not instantaneous.
But for those who grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, this was the norm.
After dinner, it was common for families to sit down and write letters to relatives or friends who lived far away.
It was a slow but heartfelt process – choosing the right words, carefully inscribing them on paper, and waiting for days or even weeks for a reply.
This ritual nurtured patience, thoughtfulness, and the art of written communication.
If you remember spending your post-dinner hours penning letters by hand, then there’s no doubt you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s.
5) The goodnight ritual
The ’60s and ’70s were a time when family values and traditions ran deep. One such tradition was the heartfelt goodnight ritual.
After dinner, families would gather in the living room to share stories, jokes, or simply talk about their day.
As the night grew darker, one by one, each family member would say their goodnights, often with a hug or a kiss.
This simple ritual was more than just a formality. It was a symbol of love, unity, and a shared end to the day.
If you experienced this tender after-dinner tradition, you certainly grew up in the warm embrace of the ’60s or ’70s.
6) Sharing chores
In my childhood home, washing dishes wasn’t a chore assigned to one person.
It was a shared responsibility that came alive after dinner every night.
We didn’t have a dishwasher growing up in the ’70s.
Instead, we had a time-honored system: one of us would scrub the dishes, another would rinse, and a third would dry and put them away.
As tedious as it sounds, those nights spent elbow-deep in soapy water were some of the most memorable.
The task became less of a burden and more of a bonding experience, filled with laughter, splashes, and the occasional soap bubble fight.
7) The joy of home-cooked desserts
The ’60s and ’70s were not about instant gratification. Things were savored, including the sweet taste of desserts, especially those made at home.
After dinner, it was common for families to indulge in a slice of homemade pie or a warm pudding.
These treats were not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they were about the love and effort that went into making them.
From apple pies to banana puddings, these home-cooked desserts were the perfect ending to a family dinner.
8) The beauty of unwinding together
Perhaps the most significant after-dinner ritual of the ’60s and ’70s was simply spending time together.
After meals, families didn’t retreat to their own corners of the house, engrossed in their own devices. Instead, they unwound together.
Whether it was watching a television show, playing a board game, or simply chatting about the day’s events, these moments were about togetherness and shared experiences.
They fostered bonds that were not only strong but deeply meaningful.
Final reflection: It’s all about connection
The charm of the ’60s and ’70s extends beyond the music, fashion, and historical events.
It’s deeply rooted in the simple, heartfelt rituals that families practiced together, particularly after dinner.
These rituals weren’t just activities to pass time. They were about creating deep connections with each other, with the world around us, and with ourselves.
From handwritten letters to homemade desserts, from family game nights to shared chores, each of these rituals nurtured a sense of unity, love, and belonging.
As you journey back in memory, you might realize that these rituals have shaped who you are today in more ways than you imagined.
They might have taught you patience, sparked your creativity, honed your competitive spirit or instilled in you the importance of unity and togetherness.
So as we navigate this fast-paced digital age, let’s not forget the beauty of these simple after-dinner rituals.
Maybe it’s time to revive some of them because their essence is timeless – creating genuine connections.
