Grandparents Day
We celebrate National Grandparents Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, the date falls on September 10. Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we also have a whole day dedicated to our grandparents. Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer and also make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together.
HISTORY OF GRANDPARENTS DAY
In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper sent President Nixon a letter suggesting that a day should be set aside to celebrate grandparents. On June 12, 1969, he received a letter back from Rose Mary Woods — Personal Secretary to the President — reading, “Dear Russell, Thank you for your letter to President Nixon. Your suggestion regarding a Grandparent’s Day is appreciated, but the President ordinarily issues proclamations designating periods for special observance only when a Congressional resolution authorizes him to do so. With best wishes, Sincerely, Rose Mary Woods Personal Secretary to the President.”
Following this letter, Marian McQuade was recognized nationally by the U.S. Senate and by President Jimmy Carter as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade wanted to educate the youth about the importance of seniors and the contributions they have made throughout history. She urged the youth to “adopt” a grandparent and learn more about their lives, challenges, and desires for the future.
In 1977, Senator Randolph, with the help of other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the senate requesting the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as ‘National Grandparents’ Day’.” Congress passed the legislation, proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparent’s Day. On August 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation, and the day was finally celebrated the following year.
HOW TO CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS DAY
1.Spend Time with your Grandparents
Sometimes we forget just how important and special our grandparents are. They have a lot more free time on their hands than we do and we know that even a short visit would make them happy.
2.Have a Family Dinner
Family time is hard to come by nowadays but organizing a family dinner with your grandparents and your parents and siblings is a great way to spend time together. Plus we get to have some good old-fashioned home cooking!
3.Enjoy A Hobby Together
Your grandma might like to paint or your grandpa might love to do puzzles on Sundays. A bit of company would brighten their day and you’ll probably have more fun than you thought you would.
WHY WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS DAY
A. They Love Us and We Love Them
Our Grandparents love us. They can be stubborn and opinionated but in the end, they always want what’s best for us.
B.They Have More Wisdom Than We Think
Our grandparents have seen all kinds of things and lived a lot, through all that living it’s not surprising that they learned a thing or two. They have so much to pass down and we should take some time to listen.
C. We Wouldn’t Be Here Without Them
Let’s be real, if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be here. They raised our parents and they made time to spoil us when we were little, it’s only fair we return the favor now.
References:
“Grandparents Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/grandparents-day/