Grandparents’ Day: When is it in the UK, origins and how to celebrate

If we’ve been lucky enough to know our grandparents, we all know that they’re one of the most important, supportive and loving relationships we’re lucky enough to have in our lives.

They come in all shapes and sizes, but, they all have one thing in common: the love and pride that they have for their grandchildren.

Being a grandparent is a very important role, and it’s only fitting that they’re celebrated each year, with the world giving a little back annually on Grandparents’ Day.

But, what is Grandparents’ Day, when is it celebrated, and when was it founded?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Grandparents’ Day?

The importance of Grandparents’ Day is to spend some quality time with family, and those who we love, with the main aim to reunite generations.

Originating in America, Grandparents’ Day became a recognised holiday in 1978, following Marian McQuade’s campaign to create a day to celebrate grandparents.

After volunteering in a nursing home, McQuade discovered that many of the residents got little to no visitors, which inspired her to create a day that highlights the importance of the older generation to the younger generation.

On 3rd August 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation saying that the day was established: “to honour grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

In France, Grandmothers’ Day is still celebrated on the first Sunday in March, while, in Germany, Grandmothers’ Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in October, and there are other days to honour grandparents in Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

When is Grandparents’ Day celebrated in the UK?

Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on October 2 every year in the United Kingdom and is usually celebrated on the first Sunday in October.

Grandparents’ Day was first introduced in the UK in 1990 by Age Concern. Since October 2008, it’s been celebrated on the first Sunday of October every year.

How can I celebrate Grandparents’ Day?

There are many ways to celebrate Grandparents’ Day, but some suggestions include:

1. Make a photo album

Photo albums are a brilliant way to celebrate times gone by, and whether it’s pictures of activities you’ve shared together, or photographs of your youth and childhood, they’re a great way to reminisce.

2. Bake

Another great way to celebrate Grandparents’ Day is to bake a cake! Heading to the kitchen with your grandparents, and making some delicious baked goods is a wonderful way to give them a treat, as well as to enjoy some quality time with one another, especially since the Covid lockdown has now been lifted.

3. Play a game

From a board game to fancy dress, or outdoor fun, playing games is a great way to connect. Daily tasks like the cryptic crossword are also good for the brain, teasing both your own and your grandparents’ cognitive problem-solving skills.

4. Go for a walk

Organising a walk is another brilliant way to spend time together, as well as educating yourself about the natural world. It’s also healthy - so strap on your walking shoes and get active!

The weather may be a little chillier in September, but parks and green spaces will look beautiful with their autumn colours.

5. Get crafty

Arts and crafts are a great way to encourage not just your own, but your grandchildren’s creativity. You can use things you’ve already got around the house, including ready-made craft kits.

Doing so also means your grandchildren will have a memento to keep in order to remember the special day.

6. Watch a film

A great way to end a busy day is to put on a relaxing film. Building a pillow fort, eating some popcorn, and watching a flick is a great wind-down exercise, as well as a good way to get the children ready for sleep.