Grandparents Day takes place on the first Sunday following Labor Day. This year, Grandparents Day falls on September 13. This particular holiday is not nearly as popular as Mother’s Day or even Father’s Day, but it is still a nice chance to honor our grandparents. Unlike some holidays that can trace their origins back through centuries, Grandparents Day was first observed just over 40 years ago.
People often assume that Grandparents Day resulted from lobbying by greeting card companies, florists, and similar businesses, but this idea could not be further from the truth. Grandparents Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the connections between generations. Its origin was decidedly noncommercial, and the holiday has largely remained true to its roots since its inception. In fact, Grandparents Day barely even makes the top 10 list of most popular occasions for greeting card sales. It is outranked by Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and St. Patrick’s Day.
What started as letter to President Richard Nixon in 1969 by nine-year-old Russell Capper suggesting that a day be set aside in order to celebrate grandparents, eventually ended up with proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter on August 3, 1978 after Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after labor Day as “National Grandparent’s Day.” The first official celebration took place the following year.
The Importance of Grandparents Day
This year – more than ever – should serve as a reminder that our grandparents are foundations of our family and they will not be around forever. Now is the time to cherish as many moments as we can with them and create lifelong memories. With age comes wisdom and our grandparents have seen things and lived through things we could not even imagine in our modern world. Through all that living it is not surprising that they learned some things along the way and they also serve as some of our most important resources for family history and information. That is why we should take some time to listen while we still have the chance.
What is the Big Secret about Grandparents Day?
One thing that sets Grandparents Day apart from most of the other holidays is the expectations that go along with it. There are no big lists or registries and grandparents certainly do not expect grandchildren to spend much money on a gift. In fact, if you ask most grandparents what they really want, their answer will simply be spending time with loved ones. The time you spend with them will be worth far more than money could ever buy. Many grandparents have a lot more ‘free time’ on their hands than we do and often spend more time alone, so even a short visit will likely make them happy. A bit of company will certainly brighten their day and you’ll cherish that time you spent.
It is not always easy for us to visit with our grandparents, especially this year with so many travel restrictions and quarantines that make travel difficult. Since visiting in person might not be practical this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t take some time to connect with them and show them how much we care. Technology has made keeping in touch easier than ever before. Video chatting through Skype or Zoom, or even just calling on the phone and expressing love and gratitude will likely make their day because they always want to hear from you. Sending a card or brightening their home with a beautiful floral arrangement is also a fantastic idea.
Your friends at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop are here to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones on Grandparent’s Day. We have an incredible selection of unique hand-designed floral arrangements along with luscious plants and amazing. We even offer same day delivery to Milwaukee, WI, and surrounding areas or anywhere else in the USA.
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