Since 1978, Grandparents’ Day has been a holiday in the U.S., celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day. In 2015, Grandparents’ Day is September 13. According to Wikipedia, in February, 1977,
“ Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer”.
This Grandma feels honored to have the privilege to have grandchildren and have the good health and years to enjoy watching them grow up. I guess having a family get together the Sunday after Labor Day sets the stage for the fall “back to school’ scheduling that includes and shows the importance of family and family get togethers with grandparents. Not bad timing. It is still warm enough most everywhere for a barbeque and outside fun. But, the importance of Grandparents’ Day is to show love for the children’s children, according to its mission.
This Grandma thinks we should extend that to also show love to the parents of the grandchildren.
My favorite gifts are those that share the past and future with grandchildren and create a legacy. Some great 2015 ideas for Grandparents’ Day come from Angel Ridout:
She writes:
“I know that many times grandparents are unsure if their grandkids enjoy their company or if they seem like fossils to the digital kids of today. I encourage grandparents and grandkids to meet in the middle and combine the history of the older generation with the technology of the new generation.”
“Here are several ideas for Grandparents Day gifts that can be enjoyable for all ages and create a legacy gift for your grandchild as well:” “Have your grandchild help you scan old photos and place them into a digital album along with the story behind the photo.”
“Search old music websites and create a slideshow with photos and music appropriate to the time when the photo was taken.”
“If you do any fabric work such as quilting or embroidery, help your grandchild to create a photo frame for some of their own photos.”
“Old broken jewelry can be repurposed into new creations that your grandchild will love to show off both for its beauty and connection to family history.”
“Another great activity for Grandparents Day, especially for younger children, is to have the child pretend to be a reporter and ask questions such as:”
“What games did you play?” “What was your favorite toy when you were my age?” “What were birthdays or holidays like?” “Who was your favorite pet?” “Tell me about a time you got in trouble at school” “What was a school day like when you were little?”
This Grandma thinks a legacy and creating a legacy is important. Consider giving away a family heirloom and explaining its meaning to the family. Consider taking old family pictures and framing them for display in the grandchildren’s home.
Make Grandparents’ Day more than just another Sunday barbeque. Think of creating a lasting memory on that day in a way that is unique and meaningful for your family with
Joy,
Mema
Comments