GrandparentsDay
We all know about Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – that special day, once a year when we get to treat those lovely parents for always being there for us. But have you heard about Grandparent’s Day? As you might have guessed, this day is about celebrating (and spoiling) those amazing Grandmother’s, Nana’s, Gramps’ and Grandad’s in our lives. I mean they are pretty special.
Have you got a Grandparent who always spoils you? Maybe your grandpa is always ready to listen to you in a time of need or maybe your granny is on hand when a tap needs fixing. Read on, and we’ll tell you how to celebrate them on Grandparents Day.
When is Grandparents Day 2024?
The first thing we should tell you is when Grandparent’s Day is celebrated. Be aware that across the world Grandparent’s Day is celebrated on different dates. So, if you were in France, it would be the first Sunday in March but if you were in America it would be the first Sunday in September after Labor Day. It can get a bit confusing.
Don’t worry though because if you’re here in the UK, the only date you need to remember is that our national Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday in October. So, in 2024 it will be celebrated on 6th October.
History of Grandparents Day
Where did the tradition of Grandparent’s Day start? For this one, we need to head over to America. Over in the states, Grandparent’s Day first became recognised as a celebration in 1978 following a campaign by Marian McQuade. Marian spent some of her time volunteering in a nursing home, but she was upset to see that many of the residents got little or no visitors. To try and solve the problem she decided to create a day which would remind the younger generations of the importance of their grandparents.
She did such a good job, that on 3rd August 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation saying that the day would “honour 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.” Pretty impressive!
Here in the UK, we took a little bit longer to take up the idea and it wasn’t until 1990 that it was introduced by Age Concern. In fact, it wasn’t until October 2008 that the first weekend in October became official the official date.
Grandparents Day Activities
Are you looking at how to celebrate Grandparent’s Day? Look no further, we’ve got some great ideas. How about treating them to a special meal – after all it’s the perfect excuse to catch up and spend some quality time with them. You could either take them out for a slap-up meal or make them feel extra special by laying on a banquet at your home. If they don’t like to travel much, don’t let that stop you and instead cook up a fancy picnic and take the celebration feast to them. You could even make it extra special by wrapping the lunch up with a fancy tablecloth and napkins and pop everything in a wicker basket.
Of course, flowers are the perfect way to anyone’s heart. So why not buy grandma a fabulous bouquet or grandad a colourful plant? Why not make it extra special by choosing their favourite blooms. Perhaps they love cheerful sunflowers or traditional carnations, or maybe they want to create a rainbow of roses in their garden. Whatever their favourite flowers, we’ve got a range of fresh seasonal flowers and plants to make them feel all warm and fuzzy.
If they’re not up to going out, why not sit down together and bond over their favourite activity? Maybe they love being out tending to their garden or your nan is a mean knitter, or perhaps grandad likes his games. Whatever it is, now is the perfect time to indulge in their favourite hobby and it’s also the ideal occasion to have a good old natter and a catch-up.
Messages to say ‘Happy Grandparents Day’
Don’t worry if you can’t be with your relatives on Grandparent’s Day, a beautiful card with a heartfelt message will let them know how much you care.
Need an idea of what to write? Here are some suggestions:
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To my wonderful Grandma/Grandpa/Grandparents, you have always been there in my life. The stories you have told and the advice you’ve given to me have shaped me in more ways than you can know.
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I have always loved you and always will, thank you for being the most amazing Grandma/Grandpa/Grandparents. Happy Grandparents Day.
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I know I can’t be with you on this Grandparent’s Day, but I wanted to let you know that I wouldn’t be who I am today with your amazing presence in my life.
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Do you know what I love the most about you Grandma/Grandpa/Grandparents? It’s the way you always spoil me rotten (plus you’re pretty amazing too). Thank you for everything.
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Every day I am thankful that I have the best Grandma/Grandpa/Grandparents a person could wish for. Happy Grandparent’s Day.
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Whenever I’ve needed you, you’ve always been there. Thank you for being the most wonderful Grandma/Grandpa/Grandparents.
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Happy Grandparent’s Day. This time it’s my turn to spoil you rotten and give you plenty of big hugs. Love you to the moon and back.
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My life is filled with love, happiness and laughter and that’s all down to you. Thank you for being amazing. Happy Grandparent’s Day
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We have a bond that is one in a million. Thank you for always being there in my life. Happy Grandparent’s Day.
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Whenever we get together, I always know we will have the best time. Sorry I can’t be with you on Grandparent’s Day, but it won’t be long until the next time we meet and then it will be time for some fun!