Building Family Bonds By Celebrating Grandparents Day

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is special. As humans, we tend to seek friendships with people who are a similar age to us. The exception to this trend is with grandparents. In spite of the age gap, relationships with grandparents can be some of the most meaningful familial relationships, FamilySearch reported.

The elderly people in our communities have seen and experienced so much history, and they have valuable wisdom to pass on. To honor the contributions of grandparents and elderly individuals to society, many countries celebrate Grandparents Day.

What Is the Purpose of Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Day celebrates the love and contributions of grandparents everywhere. It also highlights the importance of intergenerational connections and relationships. It is a day to show appreciation for the elderly people in your community.

When is Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Day is celebrated all over the world! The holiday even has different names around the world. Some countries celebrate Grandma and Grandpa separately from each other. Here are some of the countries that celebrate this special holiday:

Australia – Grandparents Day  – last Sunday in October

Brazil – Grandparents Day – July 26

Canada – National Grandparents Day – second Sunday in September

Estonia – Grandparents’ Daughter – second Sunday in September

France –  Grandmothers Day – first Sunday in September

Hong Kong – Grandparents Day – first Sunday in March

Italy – National Grandparents’ Feast – October 2

Japan – Respect for the Aged Day – third Monday in September

Mexico – Grandparents Day – second Sunday in September

Poland – Grandma’s Day — January 21

Poland – Grandpa’s Day – January 22

United Kingdom – Grandparents Day – first Sunday in October

United States – Grandparents Day – September; first Sunday after Labor Day

International – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – fourth Sunday in July

History of Grandparents Day

Poland has celebrated a separate Grandmother’s Day and Grandfather’s Daughter’s since 1964. Fun fact: On average, Polish grandparents spend 9 hours a week with their grandchildren, which is about 3 hours more than the average in other European countries.

The national celebration of Grandparents Day in the United States started in 1978, thanks to the efforts of Marian McQuade. McQuade convinced politicians in West Virginia to proclaim the first Grandparents Day in the state in 1973. She then continued to lobby for national observance until President Jimmy Carter finally proclaimed the holiday official in 1978.

The Philippines began celebrating Grandparents Day in 1987. As part of the holiday’s celebrations, many hospitals organized special events for elderly people, with services like free medical appointments, glasses, or medicines.

Junior Chamber International Victoria introduced the first Grandparents Day in Hong Kong in 1990 to strengthen the social concept of respecting and caring for the elderly and to encourage intergenerational friendships.

The United Kingdom has been celebrating its own Grandparents Day since 1990. The holiday was first introduced by a charity, Age UK, and has been celebrated in the UK on the first Sunday in October since 2008.