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About Grandparents Day

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About Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day honours grandmothers and grandfathers. In the United States it is National Grandparents Day, on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September.

Grandchildren make cards, call or visit, cook a meal together or ask their grandparents to tell stories from their youth. Many schools in India also hold a Grandparents Day in their own calendar.

It is a day to thank grandparents for their stories, their patience and the love that holds a family together.

  • September in the US
  • Made official in 1978
  • Many countries have their own date

Where it began

Marian McQuade of West Virginia, United States, worked for years to set aside a day for grandparents. She wanted young people to know and value older family members.

In 1978 the day was made official in the United States, to fall on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

In many cultures grandparents have always had a place of honour. Older family members pass on stories, songs, recipes and blessings.

A family of three generations, 1907

How it grew over time

  1. Old times

    Families in many lands honour elders with blessings and a place at the head of the table.

  2. 1970s

    Marian McQuade leads the effort for a grandparents day in the United States.

  3. 1978

    The day is made official in the United States.

  4. Today

    Schools invite grandparents in, and families share photos and visits.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • United States

    Kept on the first Sunday after Labor Day, with family visits and cards.

  • United Kingdom

    Grandparents Day falls in early October.

  • India

    Many schools hold a grandparents day with songs, games and stories.

Grandparents Day moments

Four generations togetherIndia
Grandparents with a new grandchild
Grandparents with their family in the early 1900sCanada
A grandmother with her grandchildren, around 1900Washington, USA

Grandparents Day today

Today grandchildren call, visit or make a card. Many families share old photos and ask grandparents to tell stories of their younger days.

How people celebrate Grandparents Day

  • Cards made by grandchildren
  • A visit or a call
  • A family meal
  • Listening to old stories
  • Looking at old photos

How to wish well

  • Call rather than text if you can; most grandparents love to hear a voice.
  • Ask them to tell a story from their youth.
  • Speak clearly and simply in messages they may read on a small screen.

Questions about Grandparents Day

When is Grandparents Day?

In the United States it is on the first Sunday after Labor Day, in September. Other countries and many schools choose their own date.

What do you write for Grandparents Day?

Thank them for their love, recall a happy memory with them and wish them health and happiness.

What is a short Grandparents Day message?

"Happy Grandparents Day to the best storytellers in the world."

How can kids celebrate Grandparents Day?

Draw a card, call or visit, help cook a meal together or ask for a story from long ago.

What is a good gift for grandparents?

A framed family photo, a card from the grandchildren, a plant or simply an afternoon together.

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