Nowadays. there seems to be a holiday for everything under the sun! Some of these, like Taco or Margarita Day, are easy to get behind and support (even if you find yourself questioning their origin or validity). Others, such as Fruitcake Toss Day and Squirrel Appreciation Day, are terribly far-fetched and flat-out comical.
Aside from the 10 nationally recognized holidays, there are other well-known holidays, like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, both of which have grown in popularity over the decades, in part, thanks to Hallmark. These special days allow us the opportunity to dote on those influential individuals in our lives. A lesser known, but equally important holiday that deserves celebrating, is National Grandparents’ Day.
First observed in 1978, when officially proclaimed as a holiday by Jimmy Carter, Grandparents’ Day is now recognized on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year. In fact, grandparents are so special and worth celebrating, that this special holiday is recognized in at least 22 countries around the world! This occasion is dedicated to celebrating the connection between grandparents and grandchildren, as well as the importance of the bond that they share.
Why They’re Worth Celebrating
Grandparents play a very special role within the lives of their grandchildren. They act as role models, historians, playmates, nurturers, advisors, and confidantes, among other things. A day spent with grandparents is sure to include snuggling, reading, playing games, baking, watching movies, gardening, memory making, and more. If there’s one thing we can always count on from our grandparents, it’s storytelling! Grandparents are infamous for passing on stories and imparting wisdom, while helping us discover our sense of identity in the family tree. They have a tendency of spoiling us in all of the best ways, so it’s refreshing to take a day and return the favor!
Ways to Celebrate
Each family has its own unique customs and traditions, which leads us to celebrate in different ways. Showing them you care and appreciate them is the ultimate goal. If you live nearby, consider the following:
Share a Meal Together
Host a family meal at your home or meet at a favorite restaurant. Consider your grandparents schedule and try to work around it. If they don’t like to drive at night, suggest a lunch or offer to pick them up for dinner. Brunch may be a better option if afternoon naps are a regular part of their routine, or if they like to stay home in the afternoons or evenings. Find what works best for them and cater to their needs.
Partake in a Favorite Hobby
Does Grandma love to garden? If so, spend the day freshening up her garden beds together or planting a tree to commemorate the holiday. Perhaps Grandpa is an avid golfer or fisherman. Slap on some sunscreen and head outdoors to spend some quality time together.
Spend Time Together
Our lives may be very busy, but chances are your grandparents have a lot more free time than you do. Filling that time with a visit, no matter how short or long, is sure to brighten their day.
Sometimes it seems difficult to express our love and gratitude from afar. When we feel like a card won’t properly convey our most heartfelt sentiments, yet distance separates you from your grandparents, try one of these ways to show them how much you care!
Create a Photo Book
Compile all of your favorite moments together in a photo book for your grandparents. Include captions to spark a memory and to highlight your time together.
Video Chat
Arrange a time to meet up via FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, or another similar platform! Have a casual visit or even plan a virtual lunch date and enjoy having a meal together.
Send Baked Goods
Spend some time baking a favorite treat to share with your grandparents. To make it extra special, consider using a family recipe that’s been passed down from your grandparents.
Create a Personalized Gift
Little handprints scattered across an apron, a blanket covered with the grandkids’ names, or a flower pot decorated with tiny fingerprints are all examples of gifts that grandparents are sure to love. The personalized touch is a special way to show them just how much you care!
Celebrating your grandparents, in ways big or small, makes them feel loved and important. While Grandparents’ Day is the perfect opportunity to show them that you care, remember, you don’t need to wait all year to do so! Pick up the phone and call them, drive over and see them, or book a flight to go and visit.