Whether you refer to them as Gi-Gi, Grammie, Pop-Pop, or G-Dad, grandparents occupy a very special place in our hearts and lives. Grandparents are a source of family history, a link to family traditions, and a wealth of lived experiences. As avid storytellers, grandparents can be a reference to a different time through wisdom and resilience. These stories can help children understand who they are and where they belong.
The History of Grandparents’ Day
Before her death, Marian McQuade was the mother of 15 children, the grandmother to 43, the great-grandmother of 10, and the great-great-grandmother to one. McQuade founded Grandparents’ Day to emphasize the value of intergenerational relationships. As a long-time advocate for older adults, McQuade believed each generation could learn from the other.
The first Grandparents’ Day was declared in McQuade’s home state of West Virginia in 1973. Five years of effort later, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day, and President Jimmy Carter signed it.
8 Ideas to Commemorate Grandparents’ Day
- Send a Homemade Card: A handcrafted card is a loving, thoughtful gift for grandparents. Gather some art supplies and create a card from the heart.
- Photograph Craft: Grandparents love photos of their grandchildren, so make a placemat by laminating photos together.
- Share a Hobby with Them: If your grandfather enjoys woodworking, make something with him. If your grandmother loves gardening, go outside and plant something with her in the garden.
- Sit Down for a Meal: Nothing brings a family together more than food. Whether simple or elaborate, plan a meal featuring their favorite recipes and enjoy.
- Take a Walk Down Memory Lane: Spend some time allowing your grandparents to share stories about their childhood, their favorite books and activities, or even about how they meet each other.
- Create a Unique Keepsake: Instead of gifting store-bought coffee mugs, customize a t-shirt together. Find a favorite picture of the children and grandparents and place them on the t-shirts. These shirts can become keepsakes.
- Start a New Tradition: Traditions can be a powerful way for families to connect. It’s never too late to plan a seasonal trip, vote on a holiday craft, or take an annual family photo.
- Offer Thoughtful Services: Grandparents do many things for their grandchildren. Reciprocate by making a coupon book of things that can be done for them instead.
Celebrating grandparents is an honor that shouldn’t be taken lightly or go unrecognized. Grandparents are good advice givers. They provide unconditional support and love, say yes when parents say no, remind you of the simple things in life, and show unwavering forgiveness. Honor your grandparents this Sunday, September 8th.
Pauline Lewis (a.k.a. Grammie) and her granddaughter, Kassidy.
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