Traditions That Stick: How Family Hobbies Shape Who We Become

Family traditions often begin in the simplest of ways. They grow quietly over time, passed from one generation to the next, creating shared experiences that become part of who we are. In my family, many of those traditions revolve around spending time outdoors. From gardening with my nana to countryside walks with my mum, these hobbies have shaped how I now spend time with my own daughter.

Some of my earliest memories are of helping my nana in her garden. She had a real gift for growing things, and every inch of her garden was filled with flowers, herbs and vegetables. She would give me small jobs to do, like watering the plants or helping to gather produce. I loved those moments. The garden felt like a magical place and I learned to appreciate the simple joy of being outside and nurturing something from the ground up.

My mum shared that same love of nature. She often took me on walks through the countryside, pointing out wildflowers, birds and little details that I might have missed. Those walks were never rushed. We would wander along footpaths, climb over stiles and talk as we went. Looking back, I realise how special that time was. It was never about going anywhere in particular, it was about enjoying each other’s company and being present in the moment.

Now, as a parent, I find myself continuing those same traditions with my daughter. Hiking has become one of our favourite ways to spend time together. We pick a trail, pack some snacks and set off to explore. Sometimes we go further afield, other times we keep it local, but it always feels like an adventure. She loves spotting animals, collecting leaves and telling me stories as we walk. It is during these walks that we talk the most and I can see the same love of the outdoors growing in her that my mum and nana passed down to me.

Gardening has also become something we enjoy together. Over the past year, we have started growing our own herbs, chillies and vegetables for cooking with. She takes pride in watering them, checking their progress each day and helping me harvest what we need for our meals. It is a simple but meaningful way to teach her where food comes from and to spend time together. There is something very grounding about being in the garden, hands in the soil, watching something grow over time.

Chums’ Legacy of Leisure campaign celebrates how hobbies and passions are passed down through families, connecting grandparents, parents and children through shared experiences. Whether it is walking, gardening, crafting or cooking, these traditions create lasting connections between generations.

For us, these hobbies are more than just activities. They are a thread that runs through my nana’s garden, my mum’s countryside walks and the weekends I now spend with my daughter. They remind me where I came from and give her a sense of belonging that I hope she will one day pass on too.