Celebrate Grandparents Day this September!

Most people are familiar with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day - a special day to give extra love and attention to the mothers and fathers in your life to thank them for all that they do every day. But what you might not know is that there is a special day just for grandparents, too! Grandparents Day is celebrated every year in the United States on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which means this year it will be Sunday, September 11.

History of Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day got its start back in the 1970s as a way to honor grandparents as well as their contributions to society and their grandchildren. Marian McQuade was behind the campaign to create a day specifically to honor these important members of our family and wanted the day to be focused on spending time with our elders. In 1979 her efforts paid off, and President Carter proclaimed that Grandparents Day would be an annual tradition for years to come.

Grandparents Day Activities for All Ages

Unlike many other holidays in the United States, Grandparents Day is non-commercial, meaning that gifts are not traditionally exchanged. Instead, it is customary to mark the day by spending time with grandparents.

If you’re in need of some inspiration for what to do this grandparents day, here are a few activities that are fun for all ages.

• Do a craft project together - Break out the glue sticks and ribbon for a day full of fun for the young and young-at-heart. Try your hand at a seasonal craft or create a one-of-a-kind keepsake with images of grandchildren with their grandparents for something that will be proudly displayed for years to come.

• Share your favorite pastimes with each other - Plan a day where grandparents get to teach their grandchildren about something they enjoy, then flip the tables and let the grandchildren teach the grandparents a thing or two! The morning could be all about growing a garden, followed by an afternoon learning a TikTok dance. Get creative and enjoy the laughs and memories that are sure to follow.
  
  
• Enjoy a homemade dinner together - Love to cook? Many intergenerational traditions are passed down in the kitchen. Use this opportunity to make a full meal from scratch and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor together. Be sure to write down recipes and take lots of pictures!
  
  
• Spend time together - No matter what you do, Grandparents Day is about spending time together! Take this opportunity to unplug, share stories and lots of laughs.