GRANDPARENTS DAYSunday, September 12th

Today I was surprised to learn that Sunday, September 12th is Grandparents Day! Grandparents Day began in 1978 when the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. (It is celebrated in the United Kingdom on the first Sunday in October and in Canada on the 2nd Sunday in September.) The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter and September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the "autumn years" of life. The flower of Grandparents Day is the "Forget-me-not." (Shown Above) Each year, more and more people are learning that this is truly a legitimate holiday and are beginning to celebrate it as such.

Now being a VERY young and hip grandmoth....um, I mean, Mimi myself, I was excited to learn about some amazing deals going on that will allow families to celebrate this very special occasion AND save money at the same time. Of course, I just had to share them with you!!

Here are some Grandparents Day Special Meal Deals going on around the country:

* The Old Spaghetti Factory is offering free meals for grandparents, September 12th -14th. Diners are eligible for one free grandparent meal per entree purchased.
* Boston Market - Two free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer is courtesy of Grandparents.com and Boston Market. Simply print out this coloring page and have your grandchild(ren) color it. Then, bring it to one of the participating Boston Market Locations and enjoy up to two free Kids Meals with an adult meal purchase. This promotion is valid through September 19th.
* Chick-Fil-A at Mall of Georgia - Come celebrate Grandparent's Day on September 10th by getting a FREE Entrèe when you show us a picture of your grandchild(ren). (This is just for FRIDAY since Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays.)

Other great deals include:

* The Atlanta History Center is offering one free youth ticket for every paid adult to GrandCamp Adventures. GrandCamp Adventures is hosting a day of special activities from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Atlanta History Center to make this year’s Grandparent’s Day, Sunday, September 12th, something to remember. The Atlanta History Center is offering one free youth ticket for every paid adult so everyone can come and participate in this wonderful event.

* Georgia's Flint RiverQuarium in Albany, Georgia. The Flint RiverQuarium is offering free admission for one grandparent with paid admission for a child on Grandparent's Day, September 12th.

* Raleigh's Marbles Kids Museum - Sunday, September 12th - Grandparents accompanied by a grandchild will receive free admission to the museum and IMAX on Grandparent’s Day. Special activities throughout the museum will celebrate grandparents, and the IMAX Theatre will feature special showings of Toy Story 3 in IMAX 3D. (IMAX tickets must be purchased onsite. Seats are limited)

* Tampa's Museum of Science and Natural History - Celebrate Grandparent's Day at MOSI! Free admission for one grandparent on September 12th, 2010 - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm - with the purchase of a full-priced general admission child ticket.

* Sacramento's Fairytale Town - Sunday, September 12th - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of national Grandparents Day at Fairytale Town! Grandparents who visit Fairytale Town on this day, accompanied by a grandchild ages 12 and under, receive free admission to Fairytale Town!


Of course, I can't possibly list ALL the amazing deals I have found, but most cities are offering something similar to these. Just check your favorite spots for freebies. Oh, and ALWAYS read the fine print!! You don't want to get any unwelcome surprises.

What are some other ways to celebrate or acknowledge this holiday?

• Send a card or write a letter to your grandparent(s) telling them what makes them special to you. (I did this a few years ago and I'm so glad I did!)
  
• Visit your grandparent(s) and have them tell you their favorite stories about their childhood. Maybe go through old pictures and photo albums as you are talking. Grandparents LOVE to reminisce about the good old days and those stories can become favorite memories for you, as well. Think about videoing them as they are sharing stories about their life. (I really wish I had done this with my Granny before she got so sick and passed away. It is an awesome way to preserve those precious memories.)
  
• Take your grandparent(s) on an outing. Most grandparent really enjoy this, too! If you decide to do this, be sure to take into consideration their age, health status and likes/dislikes. Make sure it is about them, not you.
  
• Buy Grandparents Legacy Journals and give them to all the Grandparents in the lives of you and your children. Most of these journals contain questions for grandparents to answer 'that explore family history, childhood memories, lighthearted incidents, cherished traditions, and the dreams and spiritual adventures encountered in a lifetime of living. The written words become windows to a grandparent's heart.' (This is something I plan to do soon!)
  
• If you don't have grandparents, 'adopt' one!! There are lots and lots of elderly people out there who have no family to help care for them or even visit them to help them feel loved. You can easily find these people at church, your local nursing home, etc. Once you find someone, visit them often and maybe bring flowers to brighten up their living space. Send cards to them with words of encouragement to make them smile. If they are able, take them shopping or to dinner once in awhile. Above all, just show them you care about them and that they still have purpose for being here. You will be surprised at just how much more YOU are blessed by doing this than your 'adopted grandparent'!! (My mom and dad have done this a lot.)
  

'The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth,
whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you did for me.'
~ Matthew 25:40

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Grandparents Day!!