Five Reasons to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Despite President Carter signing a proclamation in 1978 making Grandparents Day an official holiday, the day gets little recognition. Most people are unaware of its existence, and even if they are aware, they likely don’t know when it occurs. In the United States, it’s always celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. This year, Grandparents Day falls on Sunday, September 7. It is an often-forgotten day, but there are good reasons to celebrate it, beginning with these five.

1. Honor the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren

The relationship between the generations is unique and should be recognized. Celebrating the day allows children the opportunity to express their appreciation. It’s worthwhile to give children the chance to reflect on the love and appreciation they have for their grandparents.

2. Strengthens the feeling of family connections and history

Grandparents Day is the perfect time to look through photo albums and reminisce a bit about family history. Most kids won’t have the attention span or interest to last for long, but sharing some interesting stories about past generations or grandparents’ childhoods can be important threads in building a sense of family connections.

3. A little thanks goes a long way

I sincerely want to spend time with my grandkids. If their parents need a night out, want a solo grocery shopping trip, or request I do school pickup, I’m almost always happy and willing to serve. Grandparents Day is a wonderful time to reflect on all they contribute to the younger generation and let them know they are not taken for granted. Although I’d do it anyway, it feels good to hear thank you. It may not be a conscious thought, but being recognized and appreciated makes a person more enthusiastic about helping out more.

4. Give back

The most special gifts a grandparent can receive from their grandchildren are drawings, letters, or homemade gifts. Exchanging words of kindness and appreciation makes both generations feel special. When my grandchildren asked what I wanted, I said a picture they drew and a good hug would be the best presents! Grandparents give a lot of love, time, energy, and sometimes material gifts. It’s important for children to learn the concept of reciprocity. Giving feels good.

5. Cake

Having a Grandparents Day celebration is a great excuse to eat cake! Who doesn’t love that? It would be even better if the grandkids helped make the cake and put their loving touches on it. Grandparents Day calls for a family dinner, whether at home or in a restaurant; it doesn’t matter. What’s important is time together as a family, and of course, cake!

We’re a family who loves to get together, and we’ll use just about any excuse we can find. Being together is a source of connection and joy. Carrying on traditions is part of our family identity that bonds us together. My daughters and I celebrated Grandparents Day with my parents, and now, my daughter and her children will continue the tradition. Being a grandparent is one of the sweetest parts of life. It arrives just when you think the best is behind you, but when you hold that first grandbaby in your arms, you know the best was saved for last.

Happy Grandparents Day to all grandparents and those fortunate ones who have been elevated to great-grandparents!

My mother and my daughters thirty years ago.