A Little Background
Grandparents Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year it lands on September 11, 2022. Although it is not a federal holiday, it is a very special holiday. The proclamation reads it is to “help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.” Our community of elders is filled with so many great stories and Grandparents Day is the perfect time to share them.
My Grandparents
I am very blessed in the grandparent department. I was even lucky enough to have my great-grandparents well into adulthood. My grandparents are a huge part of my life. My mom had me and my twin sister as a teenager. Our grandparents jumped in to help raise us alongside her. They took us on all their vacations, they listened to our crazy stories, and we lived with them until we were in our 20s. My mom would always laugh and say that they acted differently with us. She would say, “Those are not the people that raised us.” I think it is because grandparents raise you with the love of a parent but with the wisdom of having been through it before. It is beautiful to see how time passes. Now my mom has 4 (almost 5) grandchildren and has earned her own title as “Nana.”
How to Celebrate
Just like all other holidays, Grandparents Day should be celebrated. These activities can be done with your grandparents or with anyone from an older generation that has had an impact on you.
- Go visit! It is very easy for senior citizens to feel lonely. Sometimes just popping in to say “hi” can brighten up their day.
- Take them out for a meal. There is nothing better than sharing stories over your favorite plate of food. Go out to a restaurant or cook it together to make it even more special.
- Share your grandparents’ stories. Social media is a great way to spread the word. Talk about what makes them so important and encourage others to do the same.
There is so much we can learn from past generations. Grandparents Day is a day to highlight that, but we must remember to celebrate them every day. Grandparents are the backbone of so many families. How will you celebrate this year?
