Grandparents Day is a holiday observed in many countries in order to promote strengthening the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. The date of celebration varies worldwide, sometimes as two different holidays honouring grandparents: Grandmother's Day and Grandfather's Day.

The origins of Grandparents Day can go back to Marian McQuade, an American elder rights activist from West Virginia. She organised and led a campaign to allot a day to celebrate grandparents. As a result of her increasing efforts, a resolution was presented to the US Congress in 1978. Finally, on September 6, 1978, President Jimmy Carter formally declared the first Sunday following Labour Day to be National Grandparents' Day.

Everyone around the world celebrates Grandparents Day differently! While it isn’t an official holiday in many countries, others such as the U.S, South Korea, France, Brazil and Italy celebrate it annually.

This holiday is celebrated in the United States on the first Sunday in September following Labour Day, and is observed with family get-togethers, special events, and fun activities celebrating grandparents!

In South Korea, they celebrate Grandparents Day (also known as ‘Chuseok’ or the ‘Harvest Festival’) on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month. Families will honour their elderly members during this time.

Grandparents Day, or Fête des Grands-Parents, falls on the first Sunday in March for those in France. On this day, French families will hold a range of festivities and events in commemoration of their grandparents.

The 26th of July is Grandparents Day (also known as Dia dos Avós) in Brazil. This day is celebrated by honouring both grandmothers and grandfathers with gatherings, gifts, and additional attention.

Finally, Grandparents Day falls on October 2nd for Italy. Also known as Festa dei Nonni, October 2nd commemorates a day where Italians celebrate grandparents, and as a way to express thanks. You will commonly see family gatherings and special occasions occur during this time.

Nowadays, most of the youth do not understand the importance that our grandparents and elders hold in our lives. From being the first ones to wish us a happy birthday, to convincing our parents’ to not scold us, grandparents can be the biggest blessings from God. I, for one, am very attached to my grandparents, (specifically from my mum’s side) so nothing brings me greater joy than to see their faces spread in a cheerful smile, their eyes twinkling with love, and radiating warmth.

So, why don’t we celebrate this year's Grandparents Day with our grandparents? You don’t necessarily have to take them out for dinner, or do anything big! Just show them that you care for them, express your gratitude for them. Try to spend the day with your grandparents if you can, or maybe make them a card! I promise you won’t regret it <3

Happy Grandparents Day, everybody!

Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Daphne Clarke.
Proofread by Hazel Antler.