Grandparents Day is dedicated to honoring and celebrating grandparents and their important role in their grandchildren’s lives. It is a day to show appreciation and express love and gratitude for the wisdom, love, and guidance that grandparents provide. Grandparents Day is typically observed on the first Sunday in September in the United States, although the date may vary in other countries.
The History of Grandparents Day
The history of Grandparents Day dates back to the early 20th century. It was officially recognized as a holiday in the United States in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The holiday was championed by Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife who wanted to promote the importance of family and strengthen the bonds between generations. Here is a brief overview of the history of Grandparents Day:
- Marian McQuade’s Inspiration: The idea for Grandparents Day was inspired by Marian McQuade, a housewife from Fayette County, West Virginia. In the early 1970s, McQuade, the mother of 15 children and had 43 grandchildren, became concerned about the lonely and isolated lives that some elderly residents of nursing homes led. She believed a special day should honor and celebrate grandparents’ wisdom and contributions and strengthen generational bonds.
- Early Advocacy: Marian McQuade began her advocacy efforts for Grandparents Day in the 1970s. She started by contacting political and civic leaders, urging them to support the idea of a national day to recognize grandparents.
- State-Level Recognition: McQuade’s efforts gained momentum, and by 1973, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Grandparents Day as a holiday. Other states followed suit, and soon, the idea began to spread across the United States.
- National Recognition: In 1978, Marian McQuade’s persistence and dedication paid off when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation designating National Grandparents Day’s first Sunday after Labor Day. This official recognition meant that Grandparents Day was celebrated nationally in the United States for the first time.
- Establishment of the National Grandparents Day Council: As part of the recognition of Grandparents Day, the National Grandparents Day Council was established to coordinate and promote the holiday’s celebration.
- Celebration and Observance: Since its official establishment, Grandparents Day has been observed annually on the first Sunday in September. It is a day for families to come together and celebrate the wisdom, love, and guidance that grandparents provide. People often spend time with their grandparents, exchange gifts, and express gratitude and affection.
How to Celebrate Grandparents Day
Celebrating Grandparents Day is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and love for your grandparents or older family members who play a grandparenting role in your life. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Grandparents Day:
Giving gifts
It’s common for grandchildren to give their grandparents thoughtful gifts or cards to show their appreciation and love. Spending quality time together can also create lasting memories, whether having a meal, walking, or simply talking and reminiscing.
Writing letters or making phone calls
If distance prevents an in-person visit, grandchildren often write heartfelt letters or make phone calls to express their love and gratitude.
Organizing special events
Some communities and organizations host brunches or picnics to celebrate Grandparents Day and unite generations.
Create Handmade Gifts or Cards
Create a homemade gift or card to show your love and appreciation. You could make a scrapbook of family memories, write a heartfelt letter, or create artwork that reflects your special bond. Grandparents often cherish handmade gifts.
Share Family Stories and Traditions
Grandparents often have a wealth of family stories and traditions to share. Use this Day to learn more about your family’s history, heritage, and grandparents’ experiences. You can also ask them about their childhood, life experiences, and any advice they have for you.
Organize a Family Gathering
Consider organizing a family gathering or picnic with your grandparents and extended family members. Sharing a meal or activities with multiple generations can be a meaningful celebration of Grandparents Day.
Cook or Bake Together
If your grandparents enjoy cooking or baking, spend time in the kitchen together. Prepare a favorite family recipe or bake cookies or a cake. Cooking together can be a fun and bonding experience.
Create a Photo Album
Compile a photo album or digital slideshow featuring family photos from different generations. Share the album with your grandparents and relive cherished moments together.
Perform Acts of Kindness
Grandparents often appreciate acts of kindness. You can offer to help with household chores, run errands, or assist with tasks that may have become more challenging for them as they age.
Write a Poem or Tribute
Express your feelings through writing by composing a poem, tribute, or short story dedicated to your grandparents. Share your creation with them as a heartfelt gift.
Support their Interests
If your grandparents have particular interests or hobbies, plan an activity or outing related to those interests. It could be visiting a museum, a garden tour, or attending an event they enjoy.
Virtual Celebration
Consider celebrating Grandparents Day virtually if you can’t be with your grandparents in person. Arrange a video call to chat, play games, or share a virtual meal.
Remember that the most important thing is to show your love and appreciation for your grandparents in a way that is meaningful to them. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories with the older generation in your family.
1. My grandparents always took me to dinner when I was a kid and jokingly asked me, “Are you paying this time?” I would laugh and say, “No! I don’t have any money”. They did this right up until I started college. We went to dinner the same as always, but they didn’t ask me at the end. It was strange, but I figured they forgot. Well, after a while, it started to bother me. Finally, after dinner one night, I asked them, “Why don’t you guys ask me to pay anymore?”. They looked at me and said, “You’re in college now, there is no point in asking, We KNOW you don’t have money.”
2. I went to a cemetery today with my grandparents. There are such beautiful flowers planted and some pretty hiking trails behind the cemetery. I told my grandparents about it, and my grandmother said excitedly, “I’m just dying to get in there!”
3. It was Grandparents Day at school.
“Steven, please come up here and tell the class your story about your grandparents,” the teacher said.
“Good morning, everyone,” Steven begins. “My grandpa is a very wise man. He has the answer to everything. He has been married for almost 50 years now. So I asked him what was his secret. He looked at me, thought a bit, and began. son there only one single thing to a good marriage….”
The whole class seemed to hold their breath. Everything seemed to stand still.
“And when I find out what that is, I will get married again.”
Here’s how to help your grandparents enjoy their golden years.
Have you sought a sustainable laundry detergent that won’t break the bank? Look no further! Earth Breeze is an eco-friendly laundry detergent that doesn’t compromise quality over sustainability. Hypoallergenic, scentless, and philanthropic, Earth Breeze aims to give back with every load of laundry.
Earth Breeze is ideal for long usage. Half a sheet of detergent will always go a long way. You only need to use more than one sheet for difficult stains. Luckily, Earth Breeze’s strong capabilities are able to remove stains seamlessly. This makes it easy to get through laundry without using too much detergent.
Efficient, mess-free, and machine-accessible, Earth Breeze is the quintessential laundry detergent for every kind of family. When you subscribe to Earth Breeze, you invest in a cause that aims to reduce waste and restore nature. For every single package sold, they give away ten more for people in need. Ditch liquid detergent for sustainable packaging and increased efficiency!
