Grandparents Day is a special occasion that allows us to show our love, respect, and gratitude for the elders in our family. In 2023, Grandparents Day will be celebrated on Sunday, September 10th in Canada. It’s a day to spend quality time with our grandparents and engage in activities, like board games or even a video chat, that create lasting memories.
The importance of Grandparents Day
Grandparents play a vital role in a child’s life, often providing wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. They often serve as a link to family history and traditions. Therefore, Grandparents Day is an opportunity for families to come together and honor these special individuals.
When did Grandparents Day start?
Grandparents Day is a relatively recent celebration, with roots going back to the 1970s. It was initiated by Marian McQuade, a housewife from West Virginia, who envisioned a day dedicated to honouring grandparents and providing an opportunity for them to show love for their children’s children. Marian McQuade’s efforts led to a grassroots campaign that gained momentum and support across the United States. She wanted Grandparents Day to be a family affair, emphasizing the wisdom, traditions, and values that grandparents can pass on to younger generations.
The first Grandparents Day was celebrated in West Virginia in 1973, and the idea quickly spread to other states. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in the United States. The significance of Grandparents Day extends beyond national borders, and other countries have since adopted similar celebrations. In Canada, the day is recognized on the same date as in the United States.
Grandparents Day is more than a tribute to grandparents; it’s a celebration of the enduring bonds between generations. It’s a day to recognize the unique role that grandparents play in family life, offering guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. The origin of Grandparents Day reminds us of the importance of family connections and the value of preserving and sharing family traditions. It’s a beautiful testament to the multi-generational relationships that enrich our lives and help shape who we are.
Activities for kids to celebrate Grandparents Day
Here are some delightful activities that kids can either do for their grandparents or enjoy with them on this special day:
- Create a heartfelt photo display: What could be more precious than memories captured in photographs? Kids can arrange their favorite photos with their grandparents in beautiful photo displays. These pictures can be of special occasions, holidays, or just candid moments that mean a lot. Photo displays can be found in various styles and sizes, perfect for creating a unique and personalized gift.
- Play a board game: Playing board games is a fun and interactive way to bond. Whether it’s a classic game like chess or a new exciting adventure game, board games provide hours of entertainment and laughter. This is a fantastic way for grandparents to engage with their grandchildren and share an enjoyable experience.
- Make cookies: Baking cookies is not only a tasty treat but also an engaging and fun activity. Kids can assist their grandparents in mixing, shaping, and decorating cookies. Using cookie cutters and baking molds, they can create cookies in various shapes and sizes. The experience of baking together and enjoying the freshly baked cookies can become a cherished memory.
- Arts & crafts: Creativity knows no age, and engaging in arts & crafts is a wonderful way for grandparents and grandchildren to connect. They can paint, sculpt, or create something entirely new. The process itself is as rewarding as the finished product, and it allows for beautiful expressions of love and creativity.
- Sing karaoke: If your grandparents love music, karaoke can be an exciting way to celebrate. Children and grandparents alike can select their favorite tunes and sing along using a karaoke system. It’s not about hitting the right notes; it’s about enjoying the moment and having fun.
- Video call: For families that are far apart, a simple video call on a mobile device can bridge the distance. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to connect face-to-face, even from miles away. A video call can be a wonderful way to spend time together, share stories, and feel close, even when physically apart.
Making the day memorable
Grandparents Day is about more than gifts or activities; it’s about showing love, respect, and appreciation. The best way to celebrate this special day is by spending time together, engaging in activities that both grandparents and grandchildren enjoy, and creating lasting memories.
Whether it’s through creating a photo display, playing board games, baking cookies, engaging in arts & crafts, singing karaoke, or connecting through a video call, the essence of Grandparents Day lies in the love and connection shared between generations.
Let’s take this opportunity to make Grandparents Day 2023 a memorable and joyful celebration, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
