National Grandparents Day 2025 in the United States

National Grandparents Day in the United States is a heartfelt celebration that honors the important role grandparents play in families and society. Observed annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day, in 2025, National Grandparents Day will fall on Sunday, September 7. While it may not be as widely recognized as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who understand the invaluable contributions of grandparents in nurturing, guiding, and enriching the lives of younger generations.

The Origin and Purpose of National Grandparents Day

The idea for National Grandparents Day began with Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife and advocate for the elderly. McQuade’s vision was to recognize the elderly’s wisdom, encourage families to tap into their heritage, and foster intergenerational bonding. She believed that grandparents had a wealth of knowledge and experience that could benefit not only their families but also their communities.

In 1978, after years of advocacy, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The purpose of the holiday, according to the proclamation, is threefold:

1. To honor grandparents.

2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

3. To help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.

Since then, the day has been recognized annually across the country, often celebrated with family gatherings, school events, and community activities.

Why Grandparents Matter

Grandparents often serve as pillars of support in families. They provide emotional guidance, share life experiences, and in many cases, help with caregiving. Some even take on full-time parental roles in multigenerational households, especially in situations where parents may be absent or unable to provide care due to financial or personal challenges.

Here are several key roles grandparents often play:

• Keepers of family history and tradition: Grandparents are often the link to a family’s cultural roots, customs, and stories.

• Support systems for parents: Many grandparents provide childcare and emotional support, helping to ease the challenges of modern parenting.

• Mentors and role models: Through storytelling and lived experience, grandparents impart values, teach resilience, and offer perspective.

• Stability and unconditional love: For many children, grandparents are a safe haven, offering comfort, acceptance, and wisdom.

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often takes center stage, the calm and steady presence of grandparents can be a grounding force in a child’s life.

How National Grandparents Day is Celebrated

Celebrations of National Grandparents Day vary across households, schools, and communities. The key is to make grandparents feel appreciated and to spend quality time together. Here are some common ways the day is celebrated:

• Family Gatherings: Many families organize meals, picnics, or outings to spend time with grandparents.

• School Events: Some schools invite grandparents for special programs where children perform songs, poems, or plays in their honor.

• Homemade Gifts and Cards: Children often create drawings, crafts, or handwritten letters expressing love and gratitude.

• Storytelling Sessions: Families may spend time listening to grandparents share stories from their youth, offering valuable lessons and insights.

• Virtual Celebrations: In cases where grandparents live far away, video calls, photo sharing, or digital cards help bridge the distance.

Ideas for Honoring Grandparents in 2025

Whether you live near your grandparents or far away, there are many thoughtful ways to show appreciation:

1. Create a Family Memory Book: Gather old photos, letters, and memories from all family members and compile them into a scrapbook or digital album.

2. Cook a Family Recipe Together: Recreate a beloved dish that your grandparents used to make and enjoy it together.

3. Write a Letter or Poem: A heartfelt message expressing what your grandparents mean to you can be cherished for years.

4. Plan a Generational Interview: Ask your grandparents about their childhood, career, or life lessons and record their stories.

5. Start a Tradition: Whether it’s planting a tree, taking a walk, or baking cookies, starting a yearly tradition can create lasting memories.

Grandparents in Modern Society

The role of grandparents has evolved in recent decades. With longer life expectancies and improved health in older age, many grandparents are more active, engaged, and technologically savvy than ever before. At the same time, social and economic pressures have led to a rise in grandparent-headed households—homes where grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. According to recent census data, millions of children in the U.S. live in such households.

Grandparents are also becoming more involved in education and childcare. Many schools now recognize the importance of grandparent involvement and organize “Grandparents Day” events, encouraging students to invite grandparents to school for lunch, classroom visits, or special presentations.

Recognizing All Types of Grandparents

It’s important to remember that families come in all shapes and sizes. Not every grandparent-grandchild relationship is biological. Many people have step-grandparents, honorary grandparents, or older mentors who serve similar roles in their lives. National Grandparents Day is a chance to honor all the people who fill that loving, guiding space—regardless of genetics.