Tag: holiday

Celebrating National Grandparents Day

Posted on by Jordank

Observed on the Sunday after Labor Day each year, National Grandparents Day is a relatively new holiday recognizing the contributions of family elders. Elder activist Marian McQuade — herself the grandmother to 43 children — first championed the concept in 1970, hoping to give families an occasion to connect with patients in nursing care.

West Virginia became the first state to issue a proclamation establishing a Grandparents Day in 1973, and 42 others followed. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill designating the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day starting the following year.

The day should “honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer,” according to the law. McQuade urged the nation’s youth to “adopt” a grandparent and focus on family time, rather than commercialization.

To celebrate, ask seniors to share their knowledge with grandchildren, Almanac.com suggests. Maybe they like to fish; ask them to demonstrate how. If they like to garden, volunteer a day of yardwork with the grandkids. If they have a favorite recipe, make and enjoy it together. If they have a favorite movie, watch it. The point is to spend quality time together.

Grandparents might appreciate reminiscing with family members; go through their old photo albums and listen to any stories they inspire. Members of the younger, digital-savvy generations can help grandparents #organize those memories by sorting photos into digital albums or printing out a few favorites to frame and hang on the wall.

One thing grandparents often need to do as they age is #downsize. They will appreciate any help you and their grandchildren can lend, and may even wish to offload a few family heirlooms or trinkets for safekeeping. If there’s any #stuff they no longer need or want, you can send it directly to ClothingDonations.org by requesting a #free #donation #pickup.

Grandparents are repositories of family memories, knowledge and wisdom. Remember to celebrate National Grandparents Day with the elders in your family this week!

Labor Day Offers a New Beginning

Posted on by Jordank

While you could book a last-minute trip to celebrate Labor Day, the beginning of September represents new beginnings, Her Agenda says. It’s (nearly) a new season, and the day off presents an opportunity to #purge some of the old #stuff you no longer use. Take a day to go through your house and figure out what you don’t need. “This three-day weekend is the perfect time to throw on Netflix or a podcast and start digging through the closet and building a ‘donate’ pile.” Once you have that pile, contact ClothingDonations.org for a #free #donation #pickup — and enjoy the rest of the weekend unburdened. #LaborDay

Go Ahead and Wear White After Labor Day

Posted on by Jordank

Fashionistas may tell you that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. But the rule emerged around the same time as the nation’s labor movement in the 19th century, The Pioneer Woman says. Wearing white was associated with keeping cool, but workers tended to wear darker clothing to hide the dirt and stains a hard day’ labor would produce. Wealthy people continued to wear white on rural holidays in the off-season, but gradually adopted the custom of wearing white during #summer only. Regardless, the rule no longer needs to be followed; while winter temperatures might demand heavier fabrics, wear whatever colors you like. #LaborDay

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Posted on by Jordank

As you enjoy your day off next Monday, remember that Labor Day was established to honor the men and women who campaigned for workers’ rights in the labor movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Without their efforts, Americans might not enjoy the rights and protections we now take for granted — a 40-hour work week, safe and humane working conditions, paid time off, sick leave and even federal holidays. However you decide to celebrate, remember to “pay tribute to all the laborers, past and present, who helped build America and make it the country it is today,” says The Pioneer Woman.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors on Labor Day

Posted on by Jordank

Labor Day — the unofficial end of summer — puts you on notice to enjoy the warm weather while you still can. Get outdoors and soak up some sun with a bike ride, cookout, tailgate or trip to the beach, Country Living suggests. A hike or overnight camping trip a state or national park is a great way to commune with nature and get away from it all, and most people have outdoorsy options close to home if you have to be back at the office on Tuesday. You could even do some backyard camping with the family, complete with a neighborhood parade or ice-cream social. Whatever you choose, take full advantage of the #holiday. #LaborDay