The Purpose and Importance of Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is a national holiday or observance celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, despite the fact that it is not a federal holiday. Many people believe that Grandparents Day was created as a result of lobbying by florists, greeting card companies, and other similar businesses. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

 

Grandparents Day is a day dedicated to honoring the bonds that exist between generations, and its origins were decidedly noncommercial. The holiday has stayed relatively true to its origins. Meals or shared activities such as playing cards, going for a walk, or simply visiting over a cup of tea are some ways to celebrate.

Origins of Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day's origins can be traced back to 1956 and a West Virginia mother named Marian McQuade. She became aware of the many nursing home residents who were forgotten by their families while assisting in the organization of a community celebration for those over the age of 80. She desired a holiday to draw attention to these people and to honor all grandparents. West Virginia was the first state to have such a day in 1973.

Although the name of this day appears to be Grandparents' Day, it is not. Grandparents Day, unlike Mother's and Father's Days, does not use an apostrophe.

McQuade and other supporters of the holiday then took their efforts to a national level, where they were successful in 1978. Grandparents Day is now observed on an annual basis in homes, retirement and nursing home facilities, and communities throughout the United States. The president also proclaims the observance each year. 

Purpose

According to the statute's preamble, the purpose of the holiday is "to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance that older people can offer."

Florists and greeting card companies were ecstatic about the holiday's creation, but it hasn't taken off as a major gift- or card-giving holiday. Grandparents Day was predicted by Hallmark to be the sixth most important holiday for greeting card sales by 1983.

However, the Greeting Card Association lists Christmas, Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even St. Patrick's Day as the most popular occasions for greeting card sales, which are topped by Christmas, Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even St. Patrick's Day. 1 Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and Christmas continue to be the most important sales days in the floral industry. That would have probably made McQuade very happy.

According to the National Grandparents Day Council's website, McQuade refused all royalties and donations associated with her efforts and turned down Hallmark overtures.

Having said that, some families observe the holiday by presenting gifts to grandparents. It is also in keeping with the holiday spirit for grandparents to give gifts to their grandchildren, particularly gifts that commemorate family traditions.

How to Celebrate

Today, many families observe Grandparents Day with family gatherings. These do not have to be elaborate; the important thing is to choose activities that the grandparent enjoys and to foster intergenerational connection.

Most grandparents will appreciate a simple meal and time to visit. Board games, card games, and puzzles are all enjoyable low-key pastimes. Grandparents Day is also an excellent opportunity to share family stories and look through old photographs. If the family wants to go somewhere, a few places (mostly museums) hold annual Grandparents Day celebrations.

Perhaps the main reason that Grandparents Day has remained uncommercialized is holiday burnout. Even if that is the case, grandparents should not pass up the opportunity. Most of the younger generation will be delighted to participate if they do not have to plan ahead of time. Remember that one of the reasons for the holiday is to allow grandparents to express their love for their grandchildren.

If you are unable to visit your grandchildren, Grandparents Day is a great excuse to call, text, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom with them, or even write them a letter or have your children draw them some pictures. Of course, you could send them a card—a simple surprise in the mail is a simple, personal way to make a grandparent's Grandparents Day special.

Which do you plan to celebrate this holiday? Consider Grandpa Knows Everything Shirt If He Doesn’t Know He Makes Stuff Up. It's great for all your family members to wear it as a family uniform.