Collaborative Post
Do you have a favourite hobby or pastime? Perhaps you like drawing, or baking, or maybe you enjoy building intricate Lego models. Do you know how you came to love your hobby? Do you know where you picked it up?
Our hobbies are often passed down through the generations, with people often picking it up from an older relative, intentionally or accidentally. Hobbies that are passed down from previous generations may hold a special place in our hearts, often serving as a link to our family history and childhood memories, they can often hold a sense of continuity and identity that connects us to relatives, particularly those who are no longer with us.
The “Legacy of Leisure” campaign by Chums explains how our hobbies and habits are inherited, shared, and passed down through generations. As part of the campaign, they asked 1000 UK adults aged 60 and over about their experiences. 59% of those asked had picked up hobbies, pastimes, or habits from older relatives and 52.4% reporting they have passed some of their own interests down to younger family members.
I think my love of crafting has been inherited from my Mam. Always keen to get out her sewing machine, she would show me how to sew things and even helped me make almost all the decorations for my wedding. When I was younger she used to encourage me to make things instead of buying new, I didn’t realise at the time, this was likely because she couldn’t afford to buy new things,
I have definitely passed down my love of Lego building to both of my boys. My youngest has also taken on my love of crafts and creating things, whilst my eldest has picked up his Dads love of the outdoors, fire making and outdoor cooking.
Chums have also explored the sentimental impact of inheriting pastimes and asked their respondents if they had any fond memories associated with their hobbies and habits some mentioned that brought back happy memories and others said it helped them reminisce about their younger days. In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining more subdued hobbies can be a meaningful way to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the crafts and stories of those who came before us.
Crafting brings back happy childhood memories for me. My Mam used to whip up fancy dress outfits at the drop of a hat. She would help with costumes for school plays or make knitted numbers for jumble sale raffle prizes. When I craft with my kids, it reminds me of these times and encourages me to be creative with my kids.
Chums Legacy of Leisure is a pleasant reminder to think about how we inherited out hobbies and how passing down habits can connect us to our past and future generations. They remind us of where we come from and inspire us to keep these traditions and memories alive for future generations. By embracing hobbies passed down from our ancestors we can create new memories and skills that can be utilised by future generations in years to come. These hobbies help remind us that while times and the world continue to change, the love, creativity and experience of our ancestors continue to influence us and make an impact on our lives today.
