Whether we’ve become empty nesters or following the latest decluttering trend, many of us baby boomers are downsizing.
That means less room for all those sentimental family heirlooms passed down through the generations and things we’ve carefully collected over our lifetimes. We can assume that our children will be delighted when we give them our most precious possessions.
Think again. Turns out, Millennials aren’t quite as into family heirlooms. Maybe this is what they mean by the generation gap these days.
Do our kids want all those photo books we cautiously created over the years? No, our kids don’t know half the people in them anyway. You may receive a request to scan your important photos and send them via email. And who uses photo albums the most? Our grown children are busy capturing their own life moments digitally via Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
That beautiful formal dining room set and china that are passed down from generation to generation? Where would our children put it? Also, Millennials entertain much less formally than in the past. They prefer a more minimalist lifestyle rather than the bulky, bulky, formal furniture we grew up with. You may very well get a polite no thanks.
What about all those old report cards, trophies, and artwork you carefully saved for your kids? All those sweet homemade cards they lovingly made for you? They will surely want their own sentimental treasures. Not so much. It seems that Millennials are not as nostalgic as us boomers.
Our adult children will most likely follow the current trend of living minimally themselves and not owning a home with an attic or basement for storage. They can travel or move around a lot.
Lately several articles have been written about this phenomenon and the consequent clash between generations.
Should this cause hurt feelings on our part? Should we try to put some blame in order to put some sense in our children’s heads? “This means a lot to me.” “I paid a lot of money for this.” “This is part of our family history.”
Hell no! There is a fine line between bestowing and charging. I say that we should listen to and respect the wishes of our children. Also, we should be proud of them.
Our adult children refuse to be defined by their possessions. Isn’t that a good thing? Didn’t we make fun of people in the 1960s for being too attached to material possessions? Our children have become independent adults now, making their own decisions and creating their own lifestyle, not copying ours. Isn’t that what we bred them for?
So what should baby boomers do with all our heirlooms and possessions?
Put away those items you can’t bear to lose. Use your china every day instead of storing it. But don’t hold on to items year after year because you can’t be bothered to sort your belongings.
Remember, all those relics and possessions served their practical purpose. You used and enjoyed them through the years. If you think these things are still useful, sell them or donate them to someone who really wants and appreciates them.
With love in their hearts, your children made homemade gifts and cards for you. You enjoyed them through the years and the gifts brought you joy. Gift giving cycles are now complete. Put away some items and let go of the rest.
Whatever you do, don’t force your children to deal with all the mess after you’ve passed away. Do your kids a favor and have an honest talk. Allow your children to grab items that they really love and that work for their lifestyle.
Then go through the qualifying process now while you’re still healthy. And cheer up. Your kids don’t need that huge old closet to remember you fondly and keep you in their hearts.
