When is Grandparents Day 2024? The history of the holiday and more

Whether you call them Grampy or Lolo, Abuela or Meemaw, grandparents occupy very special places in our lives, and in our hearts.

So it's only fitting that we have a special day to celebrate them. Grandparents Day happens every September, and it's a great excuse to show the grandparents in your life (whether biological or honorary grandparents) some love.

Grandparents Day occurs on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year. This year, Grandparents Day is on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

You might want to get them a special card or a gift. For many grandparents, the gift of time is most precious. Whether you celebrate with a dinner, a present or a simple phone call, read on to learn more about the holiday of Grandparents Day.

When is Grandparents Day?

President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation creating a National Grandparents Day in 1978, according to Donna Butts, the executive director of Generations United, an organization that focuses on intergenerational strategies.

Fun fact: In 1978, President Carter and wife Rosalynn had two grandchildren. With four children, they would go on to have more than 20 grand- and great-grandchildren.

Grandparents Day is not technically a federal holiday.

It is, however, a great excuse to honor and show some love for the older generations in our families. Since they are often the ones "spoiling" their grandchildren with affection, consider this an opportunity to show them how much they mean to you.

What is Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Day is a time to pause and appreciate the older generations of our families.

"It’s a day when we stop to honor grandparents and grand-friends for their contributions to our families, neighborhoods and communities," Butts says. "It’s also a time to remind people of all ages they can do something grand with another or for another generation. People at all ages and stages of life have value and something valuable to contribute to making our world a better place."

Why do we celebrate Grandparents Day?

The official proclamation of Grandparents Day states that the holiday is used “to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

How to celebrate Grandparents Day

Butts recommends making the day more than a time to remember to send a card.

"Do something grand with or on behalf of another generation," she said.

This can include a variety of activities, such as:

• A community service project

• Sharing a meal together

• Exploring your neighborhood

"It can also be as easy as posting a picture of yourself with your grandparent, grandchild or grand-friend on social media," Butts says.

National Grandparents Day

Butts tells TODAY.com that Grandparents Day is a good time to reach out to someone of another generation who may feel lonely and make their day a little brighter.

"Doing something grand doesn’t have to be big," she says, "it’s the little things that add up and make a difference in all of our lives."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com