The Reality of Nostalgia: Why the 90s Still Feel Like Home
by Elianna Schoonover
Yellow Computer on a Table (2022). Image by Trin Wa courtesy of Unsplash.
A Vera Bradley pattern comeback, an in-production The Devil Wears Prada sequel, and a Hannah Montana 20-year celebration? Toto, we’re not in 2026 anymore. This year, we have not only witnessed but welcomed the rise of all things nostalgia and Y2k. Gen Z and Millennials alike are embracing “nostalgia-core” and clinging to familiarity. Trends and media both have a tendency to be recycled or rebooted. From constantly in-and-out-of-style low-rise jeans to multiple Batman remakes, people love going back to what they know, something familiar. We, as a culture, are witnessing the rise of vintage and nostalgic trends across the internet, fashion, television, and film.
I have seen posts all over social media that fantasize and romanticize childhood and 90s/2000s trends. Think of those Instagram reels and TikToks you have seen that say, “POV: It’s the last day of school before winter break in elementary school.” What follows this call to remember is typically a slideshow of grainy, saturated images depicting some of your best memories: coming to school in your pajamas, decorating the class Christmas tree, and going home early on a snowy bus ride. This type of content elicits an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and longing for former days—days filled with innocent giggles, genuine wonder, and few problems. Social media has single-handedly created this charming, picture-perfect façade for childhood.
This nostalgia outbreak is not only found on social media, but it is also taking over marketing campaigns. Clothing companies are rolling out all the 90s and early 2000s garb that can only be described as “fetch.[1]” (Mean Girls, 2004). Urban Outfitters has gone almost completely Lizzie McGuire and even released a whole line of vinyl albums called UO Exclusive 2000s Hits on Vinyl.
“Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed countless remakes and reboots of television series and films alike, and, at just the start of 2026, we have already encountered major Y2k flashbacks in our TV and film.”
In early 2026, Chick-fil-A released a new brand campaign focusing on “newstalgia, or the blending of its past with modern twists.”[2] (Alicia Kelso, “Chick-fil-A celebrates 80 years with yearlong ‘newstalgia’-inspired campaign.” The “Eat Mor Chikin” restaurant is also reintroducing previously retired experiences for customers, including Cow Appreciation Day and the Cow Calendar. “When’s the last time you had a paper calendar? It’s nostalgic…”.[3] It is clear that Chick-fil-A’s new campaign is strategic and aware of the rise of nostalgia culture. This return to analog media and the desire for reminiscent entertainment are a part of the nostalgia culture phenomenon.
ViewMaster (2021). Image by Girl with a Red Hat courtesy of Unsplash.
“I can’t believe they’re making another remake.” (Me, watching new movie trailers for 2026). Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed countless remakes and reboots of television series and films alike, and, at just the start of 2026, we have already encountered major Y2k flashbacks in our TV and film. On March 24th, Disney reminded us that “You can change your hair and you can change your clothes…but you’ll always find your way back home” with the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary. This anniversary celebration was bursting with nostalgia and tributes to early-2000s fashion, inviting viewers to look back through the years of Miley Cyrus’s experience on the show. After watching this, I have never missed my plastic, purple electric guitar with headset and Disney Princess CD player more. We have also seen the official trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, any Y2k fashion-lover’s dream. I can’t help but think these two releases are timely, intentional, and well-executed for today's culture—the culture of celebrating childhood and nostalgia.
Personally, I will happily partake in these retro trends, television and film reboots, and “vintage aesthetic” rebrands like “The purple pioneer” rebrand for Yahoo! by Jones Knowles Ritchie. There is nothing wrong with embracing your childhood memories or 90s fashion, but what does this mean for us biblically? Realistically?
“Though I can enjoy some vintage trends and nostalgic entertainment, may I remember that my hope is found in the Lord and the good work He is doing in my life today. May I never forget the current testimonies I am living in and the answered prayers I am walking in. May we remember that God is inviting us to be a part of what He is doing by living in the present.”
Today’s Millennial and Gen Z culture longs for childhood innocence and the days that were. Oftentimes, I find myself gravitating towards movies I watched as a kid and places that remind me of home. Sometimes the stresses of this life can feel overwhelming, leading us to wish things were easier and prompting us to look to the past.
Maybe I take notes in a physical notebook and contemplate purchasing a wall phone because, deep down, I am longing for the past. A past where my biggest worry was making it back from my snack run to the couch before the commercials ended. A past where the biggest inconvenience of my day was not getting to sit next to my friend on a field trip. It is easy to fall into the black hole of living in the past; however, it is not what is real right now.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 (ESV) says, “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”[4] Even centuries ago, humans felt the same way. Felt this deep sense of missing those good memories. People get stuck living in the past and end up missing real life—what is happening in front of them. Realistically, the “former days” may seem better than today, or perhaps they truly were better for you. Remember, this does not take away from the good work God is doing today. Right now.
Person Holding a Silver Electric Diary (2017). Image by Wahyu Setiawan courtesy of Unsplash.
As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6 (ESV), “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”[5] God is still working, and even more so, He will finish the good work He has started within you. That is reality.
Let us remember this when we are tempted to wish for “the good old days.” The reality is that one day, you will probably look back on this season of life and feel just like Andy from The Office in season 9 episode 23, “Finale" (May 16, 2013). We will always want what was if we are focused on the past. Reminiscing and remembering are good things, but we cannot let this take away from praising God for how He is moving today. God’s mercies are new every morning, and He is still working in our lives just as He always has been.
Though I can enjoy some vintage trends and nostalgic entertainment, may I remember that my hope is found in the Lord and the good work He is doing in my life today. May I never forget the current testimonies I am living in and the answered prayers I am walking in. May we remember that God is inviting us to be a part of what He is doing by living in the present.
Let us always think fondly of the past and dream and pray about the future, but let us not forget to thank God for the present and live each day fully.
WORKS CITED
Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters (Hollywood, CA: Paramount Pictures, 2004).
Alicia Kelso, “Chick-Fil-A Launches ‘Newstalgia’ Campaign, Nation’s Restaurant News (2026), https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/chick-fil-a-celebrates-80-years-with-yearlong-newstalgia-inspired-campaign
Ibid
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), Eccles. 7:10.
The Holy Bible, Phil. 1:6.
Resources
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