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Grandparents Day

Honor the wisdom and love of your family's roots on Grandparents Day, a day dedicated to appreciating every life lesson and story they've shared.

Sunday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Sunday After Labor Day

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFamily

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the pillars of wisdom and love in your family on Grandparents Day, which occurs every year on September 8. Officially recognized by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, this day was created to bring attention to the valuable contributions senior citizens make in our communities, particularly those made by grandparents. Family is all about love and cherished moments, so Grandparents Day invites us all to stop and honor those who've helped shape us into who we are. So, let's prepare to show our gratitude for the incredible guidance, stories, and dearly held traditions our grandparents so enthusiastically share with us.

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TIMELINE

Grandparents Day Timeline

Grassroots Beginnings

Marian McQuade begins campaigning for a national day to honor grandparents, focusing on advocating for senior citizens.

West Virginia Recognition

West Virginia becomes the first state to have an official Grandparents Day, largely due to McQuade's efforts.

National Recognition

President Jimmy Carter signs a federal proclamation, officially recognizing National Grandparents Day as a holiday in the United States.

Official Song

"A Song for Grandma and Grandpa" by Johnny Prill becomes the official song of National Grandparents Day.

Growing Global Observance

Australia and various other countries adopt their own observances of Grandparents Day, reflecting a global recognition of the day's significance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Grandparents Day

Create a grandparent/grandchild scrapbook

Scour through old photos and mementos to create a scrapbook that spans decades of precious memories. Include funny stories, touching moments, shared hobbies, and special traditions.

RECREATE

Recreate favorite grandparent recipe

Learn to make a beloved dish your grandparents often prepare. Ask them to teach you and jot down every step. Cooking together is not only a bonding experience, but it also passes on family recipes for future generations.

TAKE

Take them back to their roots

If possible, plan a visit to their hometown or another special place they grew up in. Reminiscing over childhood memories might open up grandma and grandpa for some fascinating storytelling.

SCREEN

Screen their favorite film

Ask your grandparents what their favorite movie is, then gather together for a special movie night at home. It may just spark conversations about "those days" and how much has changed since then.

RECORD

Record their life stories

Sit down with a camera or a recording device and interview your grandparents. Ask about their childhood, first job, how they met, favorite memory, and life advice. You'll end up with a treasured keepsake that'll last forever.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Grandparents Day

It encourages intergenerational bonding

On Grandparents Day, we can spend quality time with our grandparents by doing things they enjoy - like watching their favorite movie or recording their life stories. These activities not only strengthen our connection, but also ensure that their stories and wisdom are passed down to us, deepening our understanding of our family's roots.

It helps us honor our grandparents

Grandparents Day gives us a chance to show our appreciation for the wisdom and love that our grandparents have shared with us. It's a dedicated day to recognize the important role they play in our lives and to celebrate the unique bond we share with them.

It allows us to learn and preserve family traditions

Whether it's cooking together, creating a scrapbook, or visiting our grandparents' hometown, Grandparents Day provides wonderful opportunities to learn more about our family traditions and history. It's a time to create new memories while preserving old ones for future generations.