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Grandparents Day
What does Grandparents Day celebrate?
Grandparents Day is a day to honor your grandparents as well as the contribution made to society from all seniors.
When is Grandparents Day celebrated?
It is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September.
Who celebrates this day?
This day is celebrated in the United States. There are similar days in other countries. In some countries they have separate Grandmothers and Grandfathers Days.
What do people do to celebrate?
The main thing people do is something special for their grandparents. This includes sending a card, visiting, and taking them out for a meal.
Many grandparents like it when they get something handmade from their grandchildren. Here are a few ideas on some things you could make for your grandparents:
A Card - This is an obvious and easy one, but every grandparent likes a homemade card from their grandkid. Draw a nice picture and be sure to write down all the things you love about them.
Make a Frame - Another thing most every grandparent loves is a picture of their grandchild. You can make it extra special by making them a frame. In making your frame you can get creative. You can make a frame from twigs, foam, seashells, or even a kit from the craft shop. The important thing is to make it unique and about your grandparents.
Family Craft - You could also make a unique craft about your family. This can include something like drawing a family tree or making a collage of pictures of your extended family.
History of Grandparents Day
There were a number of people who worked hard to see that Grandparent's Day was established as an official holiday in the United States. One lady often cited as the primary founder of Grandparent's Day is Marian McQuade of West Virginia. Marion wanted to see a day that honored the senior citizens of the United States and the important contribution they make to our society.
When the idea of Grandparents Day was first brought to the Senate in 1973, it was turned down. However, Marion continued to work in gaining support. Finally, in August of 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution making the first Sunday after Labor Day officially Grandparents Day.
Fun Facts About Grandparents Day
- The official song of this day is A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill.
- The official flower is the forget-me-not as a reminder that we shouldn't forget our grandparents and how important they are to us.
- If you don't have a grandparent that lives near you, one thing that the founders of this day encourage is to visit nursing homes and adopt a grandparent that you can visit and get to know.
- Each year the grandparent(s) of the year is awarded by the Grandparents Day Council.
- In Canada this day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. In the United Kingdom it is celebrated on the first Sunday of October.
Grandparents Day Dates
- September 9, 2012
- September 7, 2013
- September 13, 2014
- September 11, 2015
- September 10, 2016
- September 9, 2017
- September 8, 2018
September Holidays
Labor Day
Grandparents Day
Patriot Day
Constitution Day and Week
Rosh Hashanah
Talk Like a Pirate Day
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