When you think about your favourite hobby or a comforting routine, have you ever stopped to wonder where it came from? Chances are, it was passed down to you—intentionally or not—by someone older, someone who found joy in it long before you did.
There’s something beautifully nostalgic about learning a hobby from a family member. Whether it’s knitting with a grandparent, helping mum in the garden, or watching dad fix things in the shed, these everyday moments often turn into lifelong passions—and even traditions we pass on ourselves.
This is exactly what the “Legacy of Leisure” campaign by Chums explores: how our hobbies and habits are inherited, shared, and passed down through generations. It’s a celebration of the way pastimes create lasting bonds and help us stay connected to those we love.
In my own family, baking has always been a shared joy. My nana as the mum of 11 had to be savvy in the kitchen, money was tight so treats and luxuries were very few and far between. She used to bake to ensure everyone got delicious treats as often as could be afforded. She had a knack for making bread, biscuits, scones and jam tarts, and as a child, I’d love raiding her pantry for her homemade goodies.
When I was little I used to bake with my mum and even now we share recipes and tricks to make our baking easier. Over the years, memories have definitely shaped not only my love of baking but also my belief in the importance of making time for slow, mindful activities. Now, I enjoy baking and so do my children – James even wants to become a chef.
Many of us can recall similar moments: grandfathers teaching how to whittle wood, aunts guiding us through sewing patterns, or siblings introducing us to their favourite music. These hobbies often become quiet legacies—more than just skills, they’re expressions of family, identity and belonging.
There’s also a great deal of comfort in routines passed down. Maybe it’s the ritual of a Sunday roast, the family walk after tea, or the habit of writing in a journal each night. These small, familiar patterns of living help us feel grounded and connected, even across generations.
The cultural value of these traditions can’t be overstated. They’re how we share wisdom, instil values, and create moments of calm in an otherwise busy world. As modern life grows more digital, there’s something especially grounding about the analogue pleasures of gardening, knitting, puzzles or painting—activities that give us time to reflect, slow down and connect, both with ourselves and with others.
The lovely thing about hobbies is that they evolve with us. A childhood love of colouring can become a passion for design; building LEGO sets might inspire an interest in architecture. And when these interests are nurtured by family, they often hold a deeper meaning.
That’s why Chums’ Legacy of Leisure campaign is such a welcome reminder. It highlights the joy of shared passions and encourages us all to think about the hobbies we’ve inherited—and the ones we might pass on.
If you’ve ever picked up a paintbrush because your mum loved to sketch, or found peace in fishing thanks to your granddad, then you’re already part of this legacy. Why not take a moment to celebrate it—and maybe even pass it along?
This post is written in collaboration with Chums