Grandparents Day or National Grandparents Day is a holiday which is celebrated in various countries across the world and it is celebrated to show the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
In the United States the National Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on every first Sunday after the Labor Day and hence this year it falls on 11th of September.
Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven by fact also now as it makes 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.
| Event | Grandparents Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 11, 2022 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Significance | The holiday honors and celebrates the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren |
| Observed by | United States |
Grandparents Day History:
In the United States, Russell Capper a 9 year old child sent a letter to President Nixon suggesting a special day to be set aside as Grandparents Day so that all the grandparents can be celebrated on this day.
Then 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. Marian McQuade formed this day as she wanted to educate the youth regarding the importance of senior citizen and the contributions they made throughout history and as result of that we got a society today in which we live. She also urged youths to take notes from their elders to learn about their lives, challenges and desires for the future that can be very helpful for the youth.
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. And since then the day is annually celebrated.
Grandparents Day Significance:
Grandparents played an important role in the lives of the children especially at their young age. And it is proven by facts also that when grandparents and grandchildren spends time together with each other and shared a bond of relationship it helps both of them to keep them happy. As at an retirement age the grandparents gets free from all of the work but due to their old age obviously they can't enjoy their lives like they used to when they were young so playing with their grandchildren and admiring them is one of the most liked things for grandparents.
It is also good for grandkids too as they gets so much love and admiration from their grandparents which they heavily require especially at young age as parents can't be there for their kid all time and that time grandparents plays a huge role. Grandparents through their life experience also teaches various things and gives important life lessons to their grandkids which are very effective and helpful for them in their future.
Grandparents mostly also treats their grandkid with very much love and affection and teach them some very valuable things regarding life. In this way it helps to develop emotional connect between both for them which is very essential for kids especially as when they are gonna grow up it is gonna reflect through their personality and spending time with grandparents can make very emotionally resilient and a good person overall.
It also helps grandparents to spend some of the last stages of their lifetime by enjoying with their grandkids as they have seen the world and they likes to pass on the information first to their children and then grandchildren. At this stage they also feels very lonely and isolated so in the form of grandchildren they also makes a very valuable friend.
This day also works as an awareness day that teaches us to respect our elders and take care of our grandparents as unfortunately it is seen that people abandoning their grandparents or doesn't respecting them has became very prominent in recent times. So this addresses that issue urges people go always take care of their grandparents or elders as it is because of them only that you came in this world so respect must be paid.
Grandparents Day Celebrations:
It is seen that it is always grandparents who lavish their children and grandchildren with an endless supply of love, gifts, and delicious treat. But on this day the favor is returned as grandparents are honored and receives gratitude for their strength, love, care, kindness, and wisdom by their grandchildren or children.
Everyone has their own way of celebrating this Grandparents Day so celebrations of this day varies from person to person. The most common ways to celebrate this day includes going through photo albums, asking grandma to bake your favorite treat and feed you or maybe the reverse, spending time with your grandparents at the park, doing any activity or helping your grandpa for any work, playing many types of games as a way of enjoyment with your grandparents and many more such fun activities to do with your grandparents on this day.
Taking your grandparents for a tour somewhere or sending them for at their favorite place or at the place which they always wanted to visit is a great thing to do as a payback and thanks to your grandparents. In this way you will also be able to fulfill your grandparents wishes. Otherwise you can simply go for a outing with your grandparents on this day at restaurant, cinema, amusement parks, etc.
Unfortunately, some grandparents have no one to share the day with. Volunteering at an old-age home is a great way to give back somerhing to the society and so are community group projects that help the elderly feel included and like they are a part of a family and so we must ensure that in our society no one ever feels alienated and depressed.
Most Searched FAQs on Grandparents Day:
1. When is Grandparents Day is celebrated?
Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on every first Sunday after the Labor Day in the United States.
2. Is Grandparents Day a real holiday?
Grandparents Day is an official national holiday, signed by President Carter in 1978 and celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
3. How should I celebrate if my grandparents live too far?
Well that's why we have technology today don't hesitate to send video messages or call your grandparents on this day. Sending them any presents or card is another great plan fo this day.