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It is impossible to imagine human history without traditions or holidays of some sort. They’re a core part of who we are, just like spirituality, creativity, and enjoying a darn good home-cooked meal. We’re hardwired to be social and empathetic, after all, so there’s a constant inner desire to connect to the people around us. Celebrating things on a regular basis is a way to do just that.
However, no traditions fully withstand the test of time. All of them change to some extent. Others disappear completely. The members of the r/AskAnAmerican online community considered exactly this question, sharing which US traditions and holidays they believe might become completely obsolete over the next few decades. Scroll down to read their thoughts on this, including why Halloween and Christmas might look very different in the future.
Bored Panda wanted to learn more about holidays and traditions, so we got in touch with Glenn Geher, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz and a published author. We also reached out to redditor u/Extreme-Routine3822 who started the viral online discussion in the first place. You'll find our interviews with both of them as you read on.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Day Light Savings.
It won’t come as a shock to anyone that holidays are a huge deal for us humans here on planet Earth. They’re our way to bond with our communities and maintain our link with history. They’re also often an excuse to eat delicious food surrounded by the people we care about most in the world. Not to mention that holidays usually entail lots of enjoyable activities and games, not just devout and dutiful prayers.
Statista reports that the most popular national and religious events in the United States are Thanksgiving (with a popularity rating of 79%), Memorial Day (78%), and Christmas (also 78%).
Next in terms of popularity are Veterans Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, all with a rating of 77%. Easter is also a big favorite among Americans with a 71% popularity rating while Halloween (68%), New Year’s Eve (67%), and St. Patrick’s Day are still very much beloved, too. 57% of Americans listed Hanukkah as their favorite holiday while 56% did so for Valentine’s Day and 37% for Ramadan.
#2
Black Friday. It's already dying and I see it basically dead in that time span. Nobody is gonna rush at midnight to save $50 on a TV anymore.
#3
Bobbing for apples at Halloween. I think it was already dying out when I was a kid, now I barely see it, so it might be gone or mostly gone in 25 years.
Multa Nocte 2 weeks ago
It is one of those traditions that all of the sudden makes one wonder why we never questioned the hygiene behind this.
Dr. Geher explained to us why holidays and traditions are such important parts of our lives. "Holidays and various cultural traditions are fundamental, and the nature of the holidays varies from culture to culture. Culturally prescribed gatherings are an extremely basic part of the human experience," he told Bored Panda via email.
"Such gatherings provide opportunities for people to foster and cultivate connections with important others in their lives. Sharing of things like food and gifts, as well as creative activities, such as music, solidify important bonds between people. Given how social we are by nature, this is all very foundational."
#4
Christmas cards. We used to get dozens when I was a kid. Almost every family sent them. Now I only get a couple and only send one or two.
Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago
Most older people (over the age of 60) lament this to me, whether they really miss it or whether they're relieved they don't have to participate in sending out stacks upon stacks of Christmas cards. I have about a dozen personalized Christmas cards made up every year, they're fun and cute and feature my pets gardens and hobbies, and send them out to a few friends, my mechanic, my veterinarian, etc.
#5
The Miss America pageant. It's strange now to think how big an annual event it still was in the '80s and '90s; I think for a few years they stopped even televising it.
And on that note, live broadcast television that you access by turning on the TV and flipping through the channels to see what's on. There will still be live events, of course, but in 25 years those may be accessed just through apps. It was only recently that "appointment TV" still provided a common reference point for masses of Americans.
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 weeks ago
hopefully if this goes away, toddler pageants might also go away.
#6
I think class reunions will be more or less entirely dead by then.
Boo 2 weeks ago
I have never went to any of mine. The way I look at it is: if I didn't like any of you people back then, I sure as hell don't like you now. Besides, it would cost me thousands of pounds for flights, rental car, accommodation, food, drinks and entertainment. I would rather spend the money on an all-inclusive holiday to the Canaries with the people who actually matter to me.
We were curious about what it is that gives traditions longevity. Dr. Geher shed some light on this question. "Traditions that stick around and have longevity are essentially selected by cultural evolutionary processes. At some point, someone figured out that giving children gifts for Christmas was something that put smiles on a lot of faces and created lots of connections between members of family and friend groups," he said.
"So, gift-giving as part of the holiday tradition was selected, in this case. The concept of rebirth and new beginnings is something that seems to exist in all cultures. And various forms of new year celebrations, which often include gatherings of people who are close to one another, maintain social connections in very important ways. Given the fact that we are a highly social ape, processes that cultivate and amplify social connections will naturally be selected," Dr. Geher said, adding that he wishes all the readers of Bored Panda a happy end of year and holiday season.
#7
I might get some pushback for this, but gender reveal parties are probably not gonna disappear, but they're gonna go back to the low-key innocent things like slicing into a cake to find out if it's pink or blue. Or something else might add to it where after the gender is revealed they could also do a name reveal. Either that or I might be overthinking. Lol.
Multa Nocte 2 weeks ago
I'm sure I am in the minority, but the gender of a baby is unimportant to me unless there is a genetic need to know. To see people in essence trying to preplan a child's life from the colour of clothes and the gender-themed toys they purchase is depressing. We are (in my most humble opinion) already too stuck in our notions of gender.
#8
Mischief night. The reason why is because we all have phones now so causally vandalizing someone's house with eggs and toilet paper could be filmed and well you know the rest.
Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago
I don't know how much it was talked about and how much it actually happened but in the '80s, growing up, my mom was really nervous about the night before Halloween night, which is called "cabbage night" AKA devil's night AKA mischief night etc. When I was a kid it meant that teenagers would smash pumpkins, tear down decorations, toilet paper trees, soap car windows, and the thing my mom was most concerned about was there was stories of people doing terrible things to animals, particularly black cats. So we always took a lot of precautions although we were fortunate, nothing ever happened (and I'm going back 40 years that I can personally remember). I make a habit to adopt black feral cats who I've befriended over the summer, before October 30th. (Just in case.) In the past 15 years I've adopted six black cats on October 30th. As a result they've all gotten Halloween themed names
#9
May Day is mostly already dead, but in 25 years forget it. People won't even remember it was a thing.
I am talking about the tradition of making up a small basket of goodies and leaving it on a friend's doorstep, ringing the bell and then hiding. This was a thing still in the 70s/80s when I was growing up, but I don't know any kids anymore that do this.
Huddo's sister 2 weeks ago
I didn't know about that tradition, I thought May Day was all about dancing around the maypole
From a purely economic perspective, traditions are great for business. The more widely celebrated and the more hyped up, the better. It’s no secret that people tend to spend way more money around the holidays, and many companies rely on these consumer habits to make a profit and stay in business.
Investopedia notes that American consumer spending on gifts and other holiday expenses has increased every year since 2009. This trend is expected to continue throughout this year, too. It’s estimated that US consumers will spend between $979.5 billion and $989 billion on holiday-related things in 2024, compared to $955.6 billion back in 2023.
Meanwhile, the author of the interesting online thread, u/Extreme-Routine3822, was kind enough to share a few thoughts of their own.
We were curious to get their insights on which holidays are likely to stand the test of time the best over the next few decades.
"I think something that brings people closer together will last for a long time," they told Bored Panda. In their opinion, it's holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving that have the best chances of surviving.
#10
Black Friday, at least in the traditional sense of being lined up out the store and waiting with a bunch of people for it to open, thanks to it being extended to last all weekend now or even longer and online shopping.
Kenneth Barns 2 weeks ago
How old is the Black Friday thing anyway? Surely no more than 20 years or so? (The shops keep trying to "make it a thing" in Australia too, even through we don't celebrate Thanksgiving ...)
#12
I just went to the 50 year reunion of my wife's high school class.
There were maybe 40 people, of whom many, like me, didn't attend.
I think we stayed for under 30 minutes.
We asked the internet user, given how much consumers tend to spend during the holidays, whether it's still possible to enjoy the festivities without splurging too much.
"I think the most important thing about holidays is the inner peace that people get from it," they said.
"So, money is not that important, but as festivals come very rarely, we tend to celebrate it extravagantly."
#13
I feel like the days of private fireworks are wanning. The fire danger, injury, impact to pets, etc. Maybe they'll never go to zero but I think it will be on the margins. There might be an increase of professional shows, with the role of drones increasing.
Cee Cee 2 weeks ago (edited)
I wish! Neighbour a few doors up had fireworks last night. Airbombs the lot. Youngest dog was shaking with fear cuddled up to me. The oldest was barking through the window, another was at the bottom of the garden barking. Only the oldest slept on. The harm these horrible things do to wildlife, livestock as well as people is appalling. Friend of a friend has a horse. She slept in his stable this weekend.
#14
Columbus Day is probably on its way out.
David 2 weeks ago
Columbus day was created as a day for Italian-American heritage, and was created at a time when Italian-Americans were targeted by the KKK and White Supremacist groups as "not real Americans" and Columbus was their way of saying they were here from the start. It is used to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture. The KKK were the original people who opposed it, and still today the KKK and White Supremacist leaders like David Duke want it to go away. One of a few issues the White Supremacists and the Far left align on. Doing away with it shows a lack of understanding Italian-American heritage and history. And if you want for Native-Americans, people trying to rename it indigenous people day, the entire month of November is Native American History Month, and by federal law the day after Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day already. This is not on its way out as Italian-Americans will defend it
#15
I'm really afraid it's going to be trick-or-treating in your neighborhood!! Since that trend took off where parents just park their vans at a church or some s**t, I almost never see it. I bought a house in the cutest little neighborhood and was SO excited for the kids to come by last year, and I didn't get a single one! There's a lot of kids in my neighborhood too, I see them all the time. I was so disappointed. I miss small communities.
Multa Nocte 2 weeks ago
In my little village in France the parents from surrounding communities bring their children to the centre of our town, which is near the château (castle). They have a haunted house tour that starts out not very scary for the little ones and every hour they increase the age of the children and the scariness of the tour. The local businesses in town hand out candy to the children. I was thrilled to be able to hand out candy ("des bonbons ou un sort") at one of the cafés this year, and we had about 1,000 children. It has been the highlight of my year the past several years. This year they also had booths for food and such. A true delight!
You’ve probably noticed retailers and businesses offering holiday-themed products earlier and earlier each year. It’s not just your imagination—it’s all very much a real phenomenon. CNN reports that retailers are tricking consumers to spend more by rolling out Halloween earlier. To be fair, many Americans love this earlier marketing, happy to get a head start on their spooky shopping. At least for now. You never know when this strategy might backfire if taken too far.
Meanwhile, Xmas ‘creep’ is very real, too. An analysis conducted by the Guardian shows that there is a “slow and steady takeover of the calendar by Christmas-themed items, songs, and adverts.” At least in the United Kingdom. All those memes about Mariah Carey’s voice being heard all over town earlier and earlier each year are frightfully true.
#16
Trick or treating is being replaced by “trunk or treat”, which is incredibly lame and makes me sad. Maybe there will be a resurgence but as of now it does appear to be dying.
edit: please stop telling me about your neighborhood where this isn’t the case, the fact that something that used to be ubiquitous is now only happening in like half the country is still a sign of a dying tradition, please stop being pedants.
#17
I used to really enjoy going to polling places on election day and say hello to neighbors who also were there to vote, and the poll workers who were usually the older retirees in the neighborhood. They typically knew everyone by name, and they'd ask about kids, etc.
For the past few elections (especially since Covid) this is no longer the case. I miss it!
Tucker Cahooter 2 weeks ago
Close but no cigar, BP. That's an Australian Electoral Commission sign
#18
Thank you cards. They are a pain in the and can simply be handled with a text or just saying thanks next time you see the person.
I know I never if I dont get one.
Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago
I think "thank yous"" in general are on the decline... Whether they be written and posted, emailed, or verbally given and that is just a real shame. If someone has shown you a kindness or consideration, you should take the time to thank them.
Which holidays and traditions are your favorite, dear Pandas? Which ones do you expect not only to survive but also to thrive in the future?
On the flip side, what traditions do you think might be completely forgotten over the next few decades? Do you have any fun family traditions that you’d like to share with everyone else? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments.
#19
Are bake sales still a thing? I think those are gonna be goners. People barely have time to cook for themselves and groceries are ridiculously expensive. I personally hear the words "bake sale" and quietly slink away.
#21
College homecoming celebrations. When I was a student the homecoming parade was a BIG deal, as were the other events surrounding it. Great time to be in Greek Life!
This past Saturday was our school's homecoming, and there was *nothing*. A group of alumni met at a favorite college bar for a little while, but it was just a group of guys who graduated in the 80's/early 90's. My little bro and I went to the house and ran into 2 actives--most had gone home for the weekend. No parties, just a normal, quiet Saturday afternoon.
The university canceled the floats (and soon after, the entire parade) years ago. COVID killed the rest of the social events surrounding homecoming. It's all very dead, and feels so surreal...
The Doom Song 2 weeks ago
What is "homecoming" actually supposed to be? And why is it meant to be such a big deal? Also why are fraternity and sorority houses such a big deal?
HTakeover 2 weeks ago
It was originally a celebration welcoming past alumni to the first football game of the year at their college. Welcoming them coming "home" as it were. It quickly became popular with high schools. Then it started to expand even more into dances, pep rallys, etc. For a long time there were also parades. Really, it was the first school spirit celebration of the school year so people went all out. And it basically morphed from that alumni thing into a school spirit thing.
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Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago (edited)
As a Canadian who attended both Canadian University and Canadian college (side point, that's another weird thing, it seems to me that the word "college" is used interchangeably for University and college in the US); the only time I've ever heard of "homecoming" was on American TV and American movies.*edit: also, sororities and fraternities. I can't speak for the rest of canada, or every university, but none of mine ever had them.
Crescent 3 2 weeks ago
I'll try to answer a few of these questions from the US perspective: 1. We typically use "College" and "University" interchangeably, although it is most common to refer to any formal schooling after high school as "College." However, definitionally, Universities are generally larger than colleges, have more resources, and conduct higher-end research. I am a graduate of The Ohio State University, but in conversation, I generally say, "I went to college." 2. Homecoming is a celebration that is geared toward welcoming alumni back to their Alma Mater, coming "Back Home" as it were. Homecoming is usually centered around the football game, because, as you know, college football is VERY BIG here in the states, particularly at a school like my Alma Mater. At Homecoming, we get to see friends we made years ago and re-live some of those good times. (To Be Continued)
Crescent 3 2 weeks ago
3. As for Fraternities and Sororities, depending on where you matriculated, those organizations were the center of social life at the school. They were responsible for most of the parties and connections that you made. Many of the lifelong memories that some of us have of college revolve around fraternity and sorority life. One other point about that: I am a member of one of the 9 Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities (Often called the Divine 9, or D9, for short). Particularly, for those of us who went to predominantly White Institutions (PWI), Black Greek life was essential as the cultural touchstone for us. Even those who did not join one of the organizations, often depended on us for entertainment, social activism, and a sense of community.
crazydogmama 2 weeks ago
I went to ASU (Go Sun Devils and Sparky!) But went to night school and skipped sororities and all of that, had to work during the day, but yes, to all of the football. Jake the Snake took us to the Rose Bowl!
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Lavern Defazio 2 weeks ago (edited)
I had no interest in those things. The good thing about it were the pep rallies. We could skip class/ pep rallies easier when theres a lot going on.
#22
Memorial Day, fewer and fewer people are actually going out and decorating graves.
Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago
Americans have both memorial Day (May) and veterans Day (Nov) which, I thought was redundant but also not because they do honor two different things. In Canada we have remembrance Day (nov.11) which pays tribute to current active military members but also those who have sacrificed themselves to serve our country to protect our freedom. It's a quiet moment of reflection and paying thanks. You don't have to glorify the military or war, in order to be thankful to those who gave so much to protect your way of life.
#23
Agriculture based school year. In favor of a year round with quarterly breaks. Some parts of the country have already done this. I would expect more to follow. Possibly based on the new typical weather patterns & school setup in the local region.
Maybe some places get a longer break during hurricane season. Others during the Nor Easter season. Others based on the peak heat or main employer in the area.
Of course that assumes we still have a department of education in 25 years. I hope not but I suppose public schools could be a thing of the past altogether depending on how things go next month.
TONI 2 weeks ago
I will say that the long summer break isn't actually based on agriculture. Farmers are busy in spring planting and fall harvest. During the summer its normal and the plants just need to do their thing. Summer break started in cities where people who could afford to leave during the heat pre AC did so and took their kids with them.
#24
This is more state specific, but hopefully Robert E Lee's birthday, Jefferson Davis' birthday, and Columbus Day.
David 2 weeks ago
Literally only 2 states celebrate Robert E Lee's Birthday, Alabama and Mississippi. Though Florida does have something on the calendar still, but all govt offices are open and nothing is shut down. And only 3 states for Jefferson Davis Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas though Texas calls it something else to memorialize the confederate dead (since 1931). Columbus day was created as a day for Italian-American heritage, and was created at a time when Italian-Americans were targeted by the KKK and White Supremacist groups as "not real Americans" and Columbus was their way of saying they were here from the start. It is used to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture. The KKK were the original people who opposed it, and still today the KKK and White Supremacist leaders like David Duke want it to go away. One of a few issues the White Supremacists and the Far left align on. Doing away with it shows a lack of understanding Italian-American heritage and history
#25
Halloween will still be a thing but with Covid and hillocopter parenting, the kids today are probably the last generation to trick or treat.
A coworker of mine just posted in our team chat that in her town, only those who post in advance on Google get their houses listed as trick or treat sites. If they aren't on the map, then people don't come.
Trunk or treats are everywhere here and not just at churches, but secular things too. Our town, the state park, the womens college basketball team, the army Corp of engineers park, etc.
I think in another 20-30 years Thanksgiving and the big Thanksgiving dinner won't be so much of a thing but it's still going strong now. That would make me sad because it's my favorite meal of the year and I love the Harvest season.
Uncommon Boston 2 weeks ago
Our town closed Main Street to cars, stores and organizations had tables set up with treats, and costumed families came from everywhere to trick or treat. We went to watch, it was amazing! Walking up and down Main Street was enough trick or treating for anyone. It was from 3:00 to 5:00, daylight hours here.
#26
Easter. It seems to be that many nonchristians worldwide do celebrate Christmas, but not Easter. It was once a much bigger holiday in the western nations. Perhaps some kind of spring holiday, generic, will replace it.
#27
I teach in a predominantly hispanic region of the United States, and my students were baffled that I actually do something for Saint Patrick's Day. They had never even heard of corned beef and cabbage.
#28
As strange as it sounds to some people, I think Easter is one that's going/gone except for religious Christian people. This may also be true in Canada as when I was up there in April for the eclipse, I was asked how I spent 'the long weekend' (they get Good Friday & Easter Monday off) so everyone must just take it to just be a few extra days off from work. In the US we never officially had Easter Monday off so that weekend feels more like any other spring weekend to me.
#29
Two things actually.
1) Weddings ,or atleast large weddings. My older sister got married in a small room in city hall, and my twin sister had a small backyard wedding( though, that one was due to covid). Alot of americans are either too strapped for cash , or are starting to see the wedding itself as less important (and that is IF we get married).
2)Not a holiday, but a tradition. Traveling to family for holidays.When I was younger, on my mother's side, we used to travel to my aunts or uncles houses for thanks giving. Even when we had to drive for 2 days to do it. Once my mom hosted and the family came to celebrated with us. The only reason it wasn't the same with my dad side was because he is from Costa Rica, thanksgiving being an american holiday, him and his family didn't really celebrate often.But the last few thanksgivings ,I didn't really travel. Even after covid,my mom and I just celebrated with a friend of hers, and the friend's husband. Both of wich had adult kids who also didn't come to celebrate with them.Even for Christmas and New Years, I can't remeber the last time i travled to celebrate with family. I think ,again, it has to do with cash. While driving is a common and cheapest way to travel in the US, you still need to save up, especially since people are moving further and further away for work. And unless you have paid time off, only the day of the holiday is given off (if it's a federally recognized holiday. and alot of people can't afford days off without pay.Regardless of the means of travel , you need time to travel.And given how few Americans are haveing kids (most of those who have kids tending to keep it small with 1-3) we may have fewer family to travel to. If we could afford it.
What do you think ?
UKGrandad 2 weeks ago
"29 American Traditions That Might Go Extinct" If things go horrendously wrong tomorrow you can add a 30th tradition to this list - democracy.
Tucker Cahooter 2 weeks ago
Great. Now do a post on American traditions that will go from strength to strength. Like tipping and active shooter drills
UKGrandad 2 weeks ago
And serially abusing and misusing the English language.
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Guess Undheit 2 weeks ago
One tradition that needs to die in yankland but isn't is fanatical religion. In many countries, COVID-19 forced people to stay home instead of church on Sundays. After isolation ended, many people never went back. They liked the free time on Sunday and not wasting money giving it to a cult. Dozens of cult buildings permanently closed across Ireland and the UK after 2021. Unfortunately, the yanks and South Koreans kept performing cult practices, which cause mass contagion events of C-19.
Nimitz 2 weeks ago
Here in Montreal they've taken to developing the big stone churches into apartment buildings. One near my house had a side cut out of it so they could expand a bit. They got 60 affordable apartments out of the thing. A much better use than it's former days as a cult center
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Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago (edited)
In its current form, this article seems kind of rude to non-Anerican pandas. Like the rest of the world doesn't exist? "Oh, did I forget to mention in the title that everything in this list has to do with the USA? Oh well" The list itself was good, as a Canadian I'm very familiar with a lot of these traditions and such, we don't have them all, but I know about them. And I agree, most of these things will probably disappear. I just think the title should reflect that this is an All-American post. There are other readers here, you know...(Edit: title has now been changed)
Julie S 2 weeks ago
The title is now "29 American tradition that might go extinct" so someone on the BP staff must have read your comment.
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UKGrandad 2 weeks ago
"29 American Traditions That Might Go Extinct" If things go horrendously wrong tomorrow you can add a 30th tradition to this list - democracy.
Tucker Cahooter 2 weeks ago
Great. Now do a post on American traditions that will go from strength to strength. Like tipping and active shooter drills
UKGrandad 2 weeks ago
And serially abusing and misusing the English language.
Load More Replies... Guess Undheit 2 weeks ago
One tradition that needs to die in yankland but isn't is fanatical religion. In many countries, COVID-19 forced people to stay home instead of church on Sundays. After isolation ended, many people never went back. They liked the free time on Sunday and not wasting money giving it to a cult. Dozens of cult buildings permanently closed across Ireland and the UK after 2021. Unfortunately, the yanks and South Koreans kept performing cult practices, which cause mass contagion events of C-19.
Nimitz 2 weeks ago
Here in Montreal they've taken to developing the big stone churches into apartment buildings. One near my house had a side cut out of it so they could expand a bit. They got 60 affordable apartments out of the thing. A much better use than it's former days as a cult center
Load More Replies... Traveling Lady Railfan 2 weeks ago (edited)
In its current form, this article seems kind of rude to non-Anerican pandas. Like the rest of the world doesn't exist? "Oh, did I forget to mention in the title that everything in this list has to do with the USA? Oh well" The list itself was good, as a Canadian I'm very familiar with a lot of these traditions and such, we don't have them all, but I know about them. And I agree, most of these things will probably disappear. I just think the title should reflect that this is an All-American post. There are other readers here, you know...(Edit: title has now been changed)
Julie S 2 weeks ago
The title is now "29 American tradition that might go extinct" so someone on the BP staff must have read your comment.
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