Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, that’s Sunday, September 13! While we honor our grandparents every day, take an extra moment to appreciate all the joy and wisdom that grandparents bring to our lives.
Why Do We Celebrate Grandparents Day?
The History of Grandparents Day
Marian McQuade hoped to establish a national day that would honor grandparents, and in 1970 she began a campaign to do so. McQuade raised awareness about senior citizens throughout the 1970s. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day. Each year, the president issues a proclamation to keep the tradition going.
Grandparents Day has both an official flower and song. Both were chosen by the National Grandparents Day Council.
- The official flower is the forget-me-not.
- The official song is Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.”
Grandparents Day Dates
Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day (the first Monday in September).
| Year | Grandparents Day |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Sunday, September 13 |
| 2021 | Sunday, September 12 |
| 2022 | Sunday, September 11 |
| 2023 | Sunday, September 10 |
Grandparents Day Activities and Gifts
Most grandparents don’t care what activity they do—they just want to spend time with their grandchildren.
If you have a grandparent, ask them to show you one of their favorite hobbies. Let your grandparents teach you a skill, like how to fish. Or, perhaps they enjoy garden walks or nature hikes. If your grandparent would prefer a calm day, ask them to show you their favorite classic movie.
Or, perhaps it would be fun to make arts and crafts together. We have a bunch of seasonal crafts to try from making hollyhock flower dolls to an autumn nut wreath.
Maybe you can bring them some treats, like Grandpa’s Banana Bread or Grandmother’s Blueberry Cake, both made by talented grandparents. Or, try making one of the dishes that your grandparents usually make for you.
If your grandparent does not live nearby, give them a phone call and make them a card! Even if the card doesn’t arrive by Grandparents Day, they’ll always appreciate a handwritten card which shows your thoughtfulness. Here are a few simple tips on how to write a proper thank you note (We’ll bet your grandparents know this!). You can even make a homemade card (with a potato!).
No matter what, the best Grandparents Day activity involves you and your grandparents together, celebrating your family and each other.
Photo Credit: Crestock
Happy Grandparents Day!
On Grandparents Day, it really is the thought that counts—just make sure your grandparents know that you’re thinking of them.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Grandparents Day? Let us know below, and happy Grandparents Day!
Reader Comments
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Sumitted By Carrie L.
Sumitted By Carrie L. Robinson
We the grandparents of G.E.M. - Grandparents Empowerment Movement, WE celebrate Grandparents Day at our churches in giving Lesson on What A Grandparents part in our Life. Thanks,Love & hugs to the grandchildren Celebration All Grandparents, Great Grandparents for 2020
Very Nice Sentiment
For Families that CARE, LOVE & Help Each Other!!
Celebrating Grand Parents Day
I have been celebrating Grand Parents Day since I could remember. My grandma was so instrumental in my life and the life-lessons she shared with me were priceless. When my children were born 16years ago I would have them send gifts/cards to my husbands parents and they said they never heard of such a thing, now they’re aware of it and look forward to the day. Thank you President Carter for this beautiful date to show appreciation to our grand parents.
grand parents
i like this grandparents is a big thing of life
Grandparents Day 2018
My Granddaughter gave me a Big Hug this morning before Church, and she left a homemade card on my Pillow tonight a picture of she and I and a I Love You Nana ! She is a Blessing from God !
Good-Night Grandpa.
Good-Night John-Boy.
Grandparents Day
How we long to celebrate Grandparents Day!... we got to be grandparents for a short time in our boys lives, and relished it! But then their mother (really our niece, whose own Mom passed) became unable to care for them and we abruptly became parents. It's a whole different thing. No mothers or fathers day because we AREN'T their parents. no Grandparents Day because we ARE.
As more and more grandparents find themselves raising their grandchildren, i grieve for both them and the kids who are missing out on knowing their elders as they really are.
Grandparents Day
Good luck with that! Adult children rarely think abut their own parents let alone grandchildren.
Grandparents Day
We have never celebrated this particular day, but my perfect day if I did would be just having my grand and great grandchildren around all day long, coming in and out of the house, playing and laughing and giving me a hug from time to time. That would be the most special thing I could think of to celebrate grandparents day.
Grand Parents
I have never celebrated Grand Parent Day. I raised my Oldest Granddaughter until she was16 and my Youngest Granddaughter until she was 7years old then she returned at 14-16 when she went back to her mom. September 5th at approximately 1pm I just spent 12/14 hours with Desirée in labor with my first Great Granddaughter Vera to be born. After towards Desirée had to have surgery to stop bleeding. After she was wheeled back to her room the Nurse told us Desiree Kalani with of course Vera we had to leave them alone for at least 2hours. Anyways Desiree's friend tried to go in with them and I let her know what their Nurse told us she proceeded to go anyways she ignored me as she kept walking a member of Kalani's Family stopped her and repeated what I said to her. Need least to say Desiree's friend took a seat. Anyways then my ex went to see them he stayed about 20min. As he pushed the elevator button. Desiree's friend called out by dad. Then she went in the room. As I and Kalani's Family was getting ready to go say our goodbyes and we'd seen them later that evening Kalani came out to tell us He Desirée and Vera wanted to be alone until the next day. So we said ok we'll all see them tomorrow. So I asked Kalani if i could go in to tell Desirée and Vera good bye and how Beautiful Vera is I how Proud I am of Desirée and how much Vera Her and Kalani. She was so quiet I told her to get some rest. As I was leaving I thought I heard her say something it was so soft I wasn't sure so I said did you say something I was hoping she said she wanted me to stay with her for a while but instead she told me to drive safely. When I got home I looked for my phone to check my messages. I sat in my living room to read them. Desiree had text me. She let me know I am never to talk to her friend like that again. Blew me away right. I texted her saying. What am I suppose to have said to her. Then Desirée texted her friend was the first one see called to go to the hospital and that her friend was her family. Well I am wondering what could have said to her friend that upset Desirée. I texted her back and told her I'm sorry her friend/family ruined Baby Vera's Birthday Beautiful and Precious Memories I had a part in.
Sorry this happened to you
Julia I'm so sorry this happened to you. I feel for so many who seem to be accused of doing something wrong and having no idea what we did or how it was perceived in such a way that was not meant to be ir sometimes how things are twisted for the good of the person twisting it. Anyways sorry this happened to you. As I am one of these who seems to have done wrong and have no idea how that happened. This to will pass and if not..then you know what? We go on with our lives.
Grandparents Day I hope you got to spend the day with them this
Lynetta belated Happy Grandparents Day! Don't know you but big hug to you!
Son and daughterinlaw won't let us see our grandchildren
We are heartbroken because we have only been with our grandchildren 6 times in 3 years. They only live in the next town over and and we don't bother my son and his wife one bit. His wife sends us pictures of the children doing fun things but we are never asked to participate. It only makes us feel worse and is cruel to me. My wife and I are not feeble and love our grandchildren with all our hearts. We don't know what to do
Potential Advice
Hello Robert, I don't have grandchildren or children of my own, but I am a two-time aunt and have been close with my Mom throughout this time where she has become a grandmother and now has two grandchildren! They are far from both of us, but she gets to see them as often as she wants. How? She offers free childcare. Maybe your son and his wife don't know how you feel about your family, so it could help to explain how you feel and why. If I were you, I would ask to spend time with them and offer to watch the children while they go out and have a date night or enjoy themselves without children for a day or a night. You can even try and make it a recurring thing! They can have date nights on Saturdays and you get your grandchildren on Saturdays. Just a thought! I hope it helps.
mines use to do same too
I don't think babysitting is a good idea.I've done that years ago before I moved when they were small.now since I moved 9 years ago I see them very little.I've neverseen my great granddaughter alexibwhos one.my other great children ate teenagers.iveoffered to take them during summers only to be denied.my grown daughters just mean and spiteful.that's OK they'll grow up think for themselves I hope.its sad keeping them apart people who do that are just trouble makers bullys.
Son and Daughter in law won't let us see our Grandchildren
Robert, my heart breaks for you and your wife. If I may, I have a couple of questions regarding your comment. Why? Is the first one.. Has there been something that has strained you relationship? Do the other Grandparents see the Grandchildren? Have you called or just 'dropped' by to say Hi?
When you receive pictures of your grandkids is there a note enclosed? Not Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays? I'm very sorry for you and your wife, I know it's heartbreaking. I could go into my story, but it's nothing compared to yours. I really hope you and your son can get this worked out. Grandparents are a HUGE important part of the grandchildrens lives. Happy Grandparents Day! I hope everything works out...
Communication
Don't be afraid to talk to your family and let them know what your wants and needs are. Communication can be difficult but most of that is fear based. It will be worth it to get everything out in the open and clear.
Parents vs. grandparents
If you dig a little deeper, you might find that the problem is with the parent and not the grandparent. Raised 2 daughters a year apart and the older daughter will be quick to tell you I did everything for them out of a great love for both of them and that I’m the best mama on the planet and the younger daughter said I am he worst mother that ever existed. We always did so much more for our younger daughter because she always needed more of everything than the older daughter.The younger daughter has nothing to do with us and nothing to do with her sister and her children. We all live within 3 miles of each other. My grandchildren are so wonderful and respectful to me and the daughter of my younger daughter, I do not know and it breaks my heart. Keep in mind that they live only about 6 minutes from my home. So after years of talking to different ones, some professional, I was told that there is certainly mental illness in the younger daughter, that even a parent with issues allows interaction with the grandchildren and will still show respect for the parents and want their children to know their grandparents. The only time I have seen this granddaughter is at family funerals, and they are gone and do not mingle with anyone afterwards. I am dying of a broken heart, have had rough medical problems since the youngest daughter has treated us like this, and it is so painful because we love her so much, and could be of great service to her family.
Don’t die of a broken heart
Yes, it bothers you not to see your granddaughter and for your daughter to act the way she does. But stop dying of heart hurt. I command you to live in the name of Jesus Christ. You can help your daughter more by living. The time is going to come and she will NEED you so chin up, walk tall. Tell yourself everyday. I am NOT dying. I going to live. Stick around you will enjoy the future spending time with your grands. Much Love you you.
Grandparents Day
I agree the best way to be a part of your grandchild’s life is to babysit once a week for a couple hours! You are getting to know your grandchild and giving their parents a much needed break. During that time together depending on the children’s age do whatever you like! Go get ice cream, go to the park, watch a children’s movie together. It will create a bond and memories.