Celebrating Grandparents Day
National Grandparents Day (which takes place on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year) has been an official holiday in the United States since 1978 – and with good reason! Our grandparents are often the matriarchs and patriarchs of our family trees, handing down years of wisdom and love. It’s important to acknowledge the foundation our grandparents have built and thank them for the hard work put into growing our families. Below are five great ways to honor our grandparents.
Gift a Bouquet
Forget-Me-Nots are the official flower of Grandparents Day. This delicate blue flower makes for a beautiful gift - or container gardening activity!
Conduct an Interview
Grandparents have likely lived long, storied lives. Whether by phone, Zoom, or in person, document some of their incredible experiences. What was it like to serve in the war? To raise a family way back when? How much did a gallon of milk cost? Better yet, have them pen 'An Open Letter to My Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren' themselves, including 10 things they'd want them to know.
Bond Over Food
Chances are your grandparents have a tried and true dish or secret family recipe. Ask about family recipes, write them down, learn about the history, and try making it yourself.
Spend Time Together
For those of us lucky enough to have our grandparents still with us, time is precious. Stopping by for a visit or chatting over Zoom can create special memories. For others, honoring the legacy of our grandparents who have passed can be healing and uplifting. Light a candle, share memories among family members, or visit their place of rest. Additionally, you could adopt a senior too! Send cards or letters to a local Assisted Living or Memory Care community to make their day.
Revisit Old Photo Albums
A picture is worth a thousand words. Photo albums are sure to stir up lots of fun memories for grandparents, and help children and grandchildren learn more about what they were like at every age.
What senior grandparents will value most is time with loved ones. Take this opportunity to make them feel loved and special this Grandparents Day!