Ever heard of Grandparents’ Day? No? Well let us enlighten you! Grandparents’ Day is just like Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, that is, it’s one special day dedicated to celebrating grandmothers and grandfathers everywhere. Unfortunately Grandparents’ Day does not get the same attention that Mother’s and Father’s Day does, but we think it definitely should, so we’re here to tell you all about it!
Grandparents’ Day originated in the United States as the result of the work of Marian McQuade. McQuade made it her goal to educate young people in her community about the important contributions seniors have made throughout history. In her mind, the day had three primary purposes:
- To honour grandparents
- To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children
- To increase children's, grandchildren's and all youth's awareness of the strength, wisdom, information and guidance older people can offer
In 1978, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents’ Day is celebrated across the world, and on varying dates. In Canada, the day is celebrated on the second Sunday in September and this year it will fall on Sunday 12th September. Unfortunately it is not a well-known celebration and most of the population of Canada have never even heard of it! However, elsewhere in the world, the celebrations are going strong! In Poland, Grandmother's and Grandfather's Day has been celebrated in January since the mid 1960's. In Australia, Grandparents' Day is held in November and is marked by school and community events. Grandparents' Day in the Philippines is celebrated as a family day. Special events are organized and elderly people have privileges, for example, free concerts, meal discounts, free medical checkups, etc.
We think that this year (and every year) grandparents should be celebrated everywhere! So whether you organize a big family get-together, go out for a special meal, or just pop round for a cup of tea and a chat, take the time to celebrate and thank grandparents this September for everything they do for us. And of course, Oleander can help you out with this! Send flowers, a plant, or a lovely gift from our carefully curated store. Browse our website or drop in to the shop to see all the lovely things we have available.