Celebrating Grandparents Day in 2025 at FPC

Every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, families across the United States pause to celebrate National Grandparents Day—a special occasion dedicated to honoring the wisdom, love, and invaluable contributions of grandparents in our lives. This heartwarming holiday, officially recognized since 1978, serves as a beautiful reminder of the unique bond between generations and the irreplaceable role grandparents play in shaping families and communities.

This year, we will celebrate Grandparents Day at FPC on September 7, 2025. Come for a special breakfast prepared by the Congregational Life Committee. You will enjoy pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and fruit from 9:30 to 10:30 in Fellowship Hall.

The Origins of a Meaningful Tradition

National Grandparents Day was the brainchild of Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife and mother of 15 children who believed that grandparents deserved recognition for their contributions to society. McQuade envisioned a day that would encourage young people to tap into the wisdom and heritage of their elders while giving grandparents the appreciation they so richly deserved. Her persistent advocacy eventually led President Jimmy Carter to proclaim the first National Grandparents Day in 1978.

The timing of the holiday—falling between Labor Day and the autumn season—was intentionally chosen to represent the "autumn years" of life, when the wisdom of experience comes to full fruition. The official flower of Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not, symbolizing remembrance and true love that endures across time.

Modern Grandparenting in a Changing World

Today's grandparents are more active and involved than previous generations. Many are healthier, more technologically savvy, and have more leisure time to devote to their grandchildren. They're learning to use video calls to stay connected across distances, sharing photos through social media, and even playing online games with their grandkids. This technological bridge has made it possible for grandparents to maintain close relationships even when geography separates families.

The role of grandparents has also evolved to meet modern family needs. Many serve as primary caregivers while parents work, providing essential childcare support. Others step in during family crises, offering stability and continuity when it's needed most. Some grandparents are raising their grandchildren full-time, taking on parenting responsibilities later in life with remarkable dedication and love.

Creative Ways to Celebrate

Grandparents Day offers countless opportunities for meaningful celebration. Families might create photo albums or scrapbooks together, preserving memories and family stories for future generations.

Cooking traditional family recipes becomes a way to pass down cultural heritage while creating new

memories in the kitchen. Many families use this day to record their grandparents telling stories about their childhood, their parents, or significant historical events they witnessed.

Technology can enhance these celebrations in wonderful ways. Creating digital photo frames load- ed with family pictures, recording video messages, or even starting a family blog can help preserve        precious moments and stories. For grandparents who live far away, virtual celebrations through video calls can bring families together despite the distance.

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Simple activities often create the most lasting memories. Working together in the garden, taking nature walks, doing puzzles, or reading favorite books can strengthen bonds and create traditions that grandchildren will remember long into adulthood. The key is spending quality time together and showing genuine interest in each other's lives.

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Beyond the Holiday

While National Grandparents Day provides a designated time for celebration, the relationships between grand- parents and grandchildren deserve attention throughout the year. Regular phone calls, visits, and inclusion in family activities help maintain these precious bonds. Encouraging grandchildren to share their school achievements, sports accomplishments, and daily experiences keeps grandparents connected to their evolving lives.

For families where grandparents are no longer living, Grandparents Day can become a time of remembrance and storytelling. Sharing memories, looking through old photographs, and continuing family traditions helps keep their legacy alive and teaches children about their heritage.