Cold and dreary or snowy and cheery, winter is a season sure to spark passion. It transforms mountains into majestic vistas, makes summer all the sweeter, and gives those living in normally temperate locales an excuse to don a jacket. Throughout history, winter has also inspired a host of memorable quotes that capture the essence of the season, captivate the imagination, and inspire a deep appreciation for its unique, exquisite beauty.
In the spirit of the wintertime, we’ve searched high and low for the most interesting, impactful, and recognizable quotes about the season. From famous authors to age-old proverbs, the sources are as diverse as the structures of the snowflakes gracing those classic winter wonderlands.
So, grab a cup of cocoa and read these winter quotes that are sure to give your body chills (the good kind!) and your heart a merry bit of warmth.
With winter comes spring
“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.” – Victor Hugo
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland
“Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.” – Pietro Aretino
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne Bradstreet
“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.” – Yoko Ono
Finding warmth in the cold
“Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside.” – Thomas De Quincey
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
“In the middle of winter I at last discovered that there was in me an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” – William Blake
“One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese proverb
The silver lining of the season
“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.” – Tim Allen
“How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” – Thomas Wentworth Higginson
“Summer is the time for squabbles. In winter, we must protect one another, keep each other warm, share our strengths.” – George R.R. Martin
“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” – George R.R. Martin
The renewal of winter
“Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different.” – J.B. Priestley
“It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it’s really a time of renewal and reflection.” – Elizabeth Camden
“The rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth.” – The Bible
“What miracle of weird transforming is this wild work of frost and light, this glimpse of glory infinite?” – John Greenleaf Whittier
“That’s what winter is: an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again.” – Ali Smith
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” – Paul Theroux
“I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show.” – Andrew Wyeth
“Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.” – Andy Goldsworthy
“The pine stays green in winter… wisdom in hardship.” – Norman Douglas
“In winter we behold the charms of solemn majesty and naked grandeur.” – James Ellis
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle
“Snow was falling, so much like stars filling the dark trees that one could easily imagine its reason for being was nothing more than prettiness.” – Mary Oliver
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” – John Burroughs
“Well, I know now. I know a little more how much a simple thing like a snowfall can mean to a person.” – Sylvia Plath
“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder — no matter how old you became and how much you’d seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.” – Candace Bushnell
“Snow falling soundlessly in the middle of the night will always fill my heart with sweet clarity.” – Novala Takemoto
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'” – Lewis Carroll
The joy of the season
“They who sing through the summer must dance in the winter.” – Italian proverb
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year! There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow.” – Andy Williams
“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” – Robert Frost
“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” – Anton Chekhov
“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” – Anamika Mishra
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” – John Boswell
Sending holiday cards is a wonderful tradition, but if you have a lot to send, it can get a bit overwhelming. That is especially true if you can’t find the right words to put in your Christmas card.
If you’re looking for a unique way to send your holiday greetings or just want to find some inspiration for what to write, check out our list of different ways to say “Merry Christmas,” “Season’s Greetings,” and “Happy New Year” to all your contacts.
What to write in a holiday card?
These days, it’s easy to upload a family photo, add your name, and be done with your Christmas cards. But taking that extra step to write your holiday wishes for friends and loved ones makes all the difference. You can still include your beautiful family photos, but also be sure to include a few words to go along with them.
What you write in your holiday cards will depend on the recipient. If you’re sending Christmas card wishes to close friends and family, you can be informal and casual with your greetings. Choose a greeting inspired by your favorite Christmas song or movie or quote, or write a funny holiday greeting that’s full of personality and festive cheer.
If you know the person receiving your card celebrates Christmas, you can relate a religious message in it. Alternately, your message can be more secular, with wishes for a happy holiday season or happy new year.
Going with a short and simple greeting, or combining several of your favorite lines, are ways to create a truly special and personal message. You can even incorporate a heartfelt “Thank you” in your holiday cards to show your gratitude during this special time of the year.
No matter what you want to write in your holiday cards, this list offers plenty of ideas and inspiration to craft your best Christmas cards yet!
Best merry Christmas wishes
There’s something wonderful about the classic “Merry Christmas” wishes. If you want to call out Christmas, here are are some sample card messages with the word “Christmas” in them.
May your days be merry and bright this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with love, happiness, and prosperity.
We hope you’re having a simply wonderful Christmas time! Best wishes to you and yours.
Merry Christmas! May all the joys of this happy season be yours this holiday and into the new year.
May the magic and wonder of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year.
The most wonderful part of Christmas is spending time with family and friends. May your holidays be full of joy and good cheer.
When the magic of Christmas fills the air, we hope you find it everywhere. Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and every happiness in the new year.
May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and into the coming year.
Have a warm and cozy Christmas and a new year filled with wonderful adventures.
Happy holidays & season’s greetings
If you’re not sure if your recipients celebrate Christmas, using “holiday season” and “season’s greetings” instead are great options. Here are some ideas you can use to get started writing your own holiday message.
Wishing you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.
May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Sending wishes to you and yours for a beautiful holiday season and peaceful new year.
As the holidays approach, it is a great time to remember those who are close to us, helping to bring love and happiness to our lives. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
Our favorite part of the holiday season is thinking of you, who makes this time so special. Wishing you love and happiness this season and into the new year.
Hope this holiday season brings you many great memories and wonderful reasons to smile.
May the light of the holiday season fill your heart, and may the music fill your soul. Happy holidays.
Wishing you a sparkling holiday season and a brilliant new year!
Sending warm wishes of peace and happiness this holiday season and into the new year.
Religious Christmas messages
Adding a religious note to your Christmas cards helps us remember the true reason for this joyous season. Here are some examples of religious messages you can include in your card.
Wishing you God’s wonderful gifts of faith, hope, peace, and love at Christmas and always.
As we take a moment from our busy lives to celebrate the birth of our Lord, we pray your holidays are filled with love and your new year with peace.
His miraculous birth and the gift of His love give us reason to pause and rejoice on His special day. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Christmas is a wonderful time to rejoice and share in the warmth of those dear to us. May your Christmas be filled with God’s love and blessings.
May God’s love be your true blessing this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
May God fill your life with love, joy, and peace this holiday season and throughout the new year.
Rejoice, for unto us a child is born. Wishing you God’s blessings this Christmas season.
Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace and goodwill toward men.
Rejoice in the miracle of Christmas as your heart fills with the gift of His love.
May you receive the gift of faith, blessing of hope, and peace of God’s love at Christmas and always.
Short & simple holiday greetings
If you only want to include a few words, consider one of these simple and short holiday greetings. These are especially good options if you plan on writing out your cards by hand this year.
Happy holidays from our house to yours.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Merry everything and happy always.
Hoping your holidays are filled with love, family, and happiness.
Happy holidays and happy 2024! Make it the best year ever.
Best wishes for a new year filled with love, happiness, and success.
Hope you get everything you want under the Christmas tree this year!
Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
May the wonder and magic of Christmas fill you with delight.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fantastic new year.
Funny holiday greetings
A little humor never fails. Make everyone who opens your Christmas cards this year smile with these fun and amusing holiday card messages. Or include your favorite holiday puns, witty quote, or funny greeting.
You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.
Get your fat pants ready. It’s Christmastime!
Santa has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.
Merry Christmas from one hard-working elf to another.
It’s all fun and games until Santa checks the naughty list. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you a white Christmas. (And when you run out of white, just open a bottle of red.)
Sure, being on the nice list gets your more presents, but being naughty is its own reward.
Only a few more shopping days left until your loved ones find out you have no idea what they like.
We want you to have the happiest holidays ever. (Don’t feel too special, though, we gave this card to a lot of people.)
Inspiring holiday quotes
Crafting an uplifting, moving message for your cards can be a difficult task. Adding one of these inspiring holiday quotes is a great way to accomplish that. Look for other holiday quotes you love to include in your message.
“Out of the silence, music. Out of the darkness, light. Out of uncertainty, promise. Hope was born that night.”
“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”
“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”
“The story of Christmas is a story of love.”
“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree — it’s who’s gathered around it.”
“May you be inspired by giving, changed by love, filled with peace, and touched by miracles.”
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
“One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present.”
“Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered.”
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”
Christmas sayings inspired by Christmas songs
Those who love Christmas songs will appreciate these sample greetings that contain the lyrics of some of their favorite holiday music. Use these or your favorite song lyrics to inspire your own Christmas card message this year.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas and let your heart be light!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come. May songs of joy fill your home and your heart this holiday season.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Hope yours is filled with peace and joy.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and have a jolly Christmas time!
Feliz Navidad! Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.
Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!
Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It’s the best time of the year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas and remember to be of good cheer!
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer! Santa Claus is coming tonight!
Star of wonder, star of night, guide us to thy perfect light.
Holiday messages for friends & family
When sending holiday wishes to your closest friends, family, and loved ones, feel free to get personal. Consider adding a short message about your family, special news, and any important announcements you want to share.
As the holidays once again approach, may the joy and love the holidays bring remind us of the love of our friends and family. Wishing you the very best this season.
Thinking of you fills our hearts with joy at Christmas time. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and peaceful new year.
Wishing you and your family all the warmth this holiday season has to offer. Have a wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with peace and joy.
As the holidays once more approach, our family would like to send you our warmest wishes. May the true spirit of the season find you and fill your heart with joy.
From all the gifts under the Christmas tree, the best gift is your friendship. Have a Merry Christmas, my friend.
May the wonder of the holidays fill your heart with happiness as you gather together with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
Thinking of you with warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas spent among family and friends.
Dear friend, I hope your Christmas is filled with love and your new year with joy.
There is nothing more special than family and good friends to brighten up the holidays. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you happy holidays and a new year filled with happiness. May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the coming year.
A holiday thank you
Wiring your holiday cards for clients, business partners, sponsors, teachers, and others sometimes requires a sincere thank you. Find ideas to express your gratitude with these sample card messages.
As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to say “Thank you.” Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
We would like to pause at the holiday season to say “Thank you” for your goodwill and dedication, and wish you a happy and successful new year.
There is no better time than this to say thank you and happy holidays, from our family to yours.
I’m so thankful for you and your support this year. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.
Your help this year was the best Christmas gift. We can’t thank you enough! Wishing you happy holidays and all the best in the coming year.
Thank you for always thinking of us. We are so grateful for you and your thoughtfulness.
Just sending you a heartfelt thank you for your help and support this year. It means so much to us! Have a wonderful holiday season.
One of the best parts of our business is people like you. Your support means the world to us! We wish you the best this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Thank you for making our holidays even brighter with your thoughtful gift. It’s always such a pleasure doing business with you. Here’s to a great year ahead!
Wishing you happy holidays with thanks and appreciation for your help, support, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and a sincere wish for a fantastic year ahead.
New Year’s wishes
If you happen to be sending out your cards later than you plan, consider including New Year’s greetings instead of the typical holiday messages. Here are some popular New Year’s wishes to inspire your own.
Our New Year’s wish for you and yours is that your year is filled with love. Happy 2024!
Wishing you and yours good times, good cheer, good health, and good fortune in the new year!
When the bells ring in the new year, may your days be filled with peace, love, and everlasting happiness.
As the holiday season comes to a close, we wish you and your family a bright and beautiful new year.
Wishing you a super healthy, crazy happy, and wildly successful new year!
May the dawn of this new year fill your heart with bright, hopeful days as you turn your dreams into reality and your efforts into great achievements.
A new year is a blank page and an opportunity to write a new story for yourself. Hope yours is beautiful.
May this new year give you courage to explore, dream, and discover. Here’s to your best year yet!
Cheers to the years we’ve been blessed to call each other friends and to the new year ahead.
May every day of the new year bring a new opportunity for joy and laughter, warmth and love, and everything you desire.
And, finally, our favorite…
The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts are family and friends.
Go ahead, crack open a cold one, or uncork a bottle of wine, and put your feet up. It’s a holiday, right? You deserve it — especially since the holiday you’re casually celebrating was probably a long time in the making and extremely hard won.
What is a holiday?
Although the word “holiday” derives from the term “holy day” and naturally first involved religious observances, the term is used broadly today and applies even to secular celebrations. (Some parts of the world use “holiday” to say they’re taking a vacation!)
Religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali are mostly self-explanatory. But America’s secular ones — the list of which is ballooning — generally commemorate important people and historic events or raise awareness about critical issues.
They also fall under specific designations. Officially speaking, holidays in the United States include “federal holidays,” “patriotic and national observances,” and “recognitions” of specific periods of time (days, weeks, or months). Others that aren’t sanctioned by religious institutions, or perhaps by any level of government, are lawfully designated as “celebrations,” “appreciations,” or “recognitions.”
What’s the difference and how do any of these days become a thing? Here’s the rundown.
Federal holidays
Only Congress can designate federal holidays, which are established under the constitutionally prescribed voting process. These are sometimes referred to as “national holidays,” but there’s really nothing national about them.
Individual states have the power to ignore federal holidays, and they’ve been doing so since 1870, when Congress approved the nation’s first set of official holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. In fact, states routinely opt out of holidays, and huge controversies have erupted over ones involving Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Columbus Day, and Juneteenth.
States can even designate their own official holidays. For instance, Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day; Alaska celebrates Seward’s Day; Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras; Illinois and Missouri celebrate Malcolm X Day; California celebrates César Chávez Day; Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day; and several states celebrate Arbor Day (it’s when you plant trees).
Nevertheless, the first four federal holidays were designated simply to exempt federal employees from work on such days. And even that exception originally applied only to the 5,300 federal workers in Washington, D.C., and not the other 50,600 stationed across the country. Not very democratic, right? This changed by 1885, and, as various states joined the party, people naturally began to think of these as “national holidays.”
There are presently 12 legal federal holidays (see graphic). The fact that Congress has only approved a dozen over 247 years of our nation’s history — and just four in the past 100 years —speaks volumes about how difficult it is to get D.C. lawmakers, of any era, to agree on anything, even holidays. You could chalk that up to federal holidays costing taxpayers more than $800 million per day off at last estimate, but it mainly has to do with the politically charged reasons our elected officials propose holidays, which don’t often play well on the national stage. Thanksgiving, our nation’s first and most original holiday, drives this point home. Although the Pilgrims first celebrated it in 1621, it took another 249 years — during which time there were some very heated debates, particularly between 1789 to 1870 — before the holiday became official.
Patriotic and national observances, and recognition periods
Like federal holidays, congressional statutory observances — known commonly as “patriotic and national observances” — can only be created by enacting laws. However, they differ from federal holidays in that they don’t provide time off for federal employees.
Similarly, permanent recognitions periods (days, weeks or months) must be enacted by law. But temporary ones can be created after being introduced as resolutions by members of the Senate or House of Representatives.
The most widely celebrated of these days are Mother’s Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Flag Day, Patriot Day (9/11), Father’s Day, Parents’ Day, and National Grandparents Day.
Presidential proclamations
The U.S. Constitution does not specifically grant presidents the power to make proclamations — or, for that matter, executive orders. But that hasn’t prevented them from issuing loads of both.
Proclamations are mostly ceremonial orders that sometimes result in laws and that often include “commemoration” days, weeks, or months. George Washington’s first proclamation in 1789 honored Thanksgiving, and he repeated the act six years later. Lincoln also issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863 — but none of these had the force of law. Recent examples range from George H.W. Bush’s serious proclamation to honor veterans of World War II to Ronald Reagan’s lighthearted and beloved National Ice Cream Month (July).
Presidents have also proclaimed holidays for the funerals of other presidents, most recently for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford. But proclamations have most prominently been used to establish national heritage months, including Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), Irish American Heritage Month (March), Jewish American Heritage Month (May), LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June), Hispanic Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), and Native American Heritage Month (November), among others.
Celebrations, appreciations, commercially driven observances, and “hashtag” holidays
The growing list of what we now commonly refer to as holidays are more technically designated as “celebrations,” “appreciations,” or “awareness” periods. Examples of those that are not religious in origin or federally backed include Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), April Fools’ Day (April 1), Earth Day (April 22), Friendship Day (Aug. 7), Boss’ Day (first working day nearest Oct. 16), and Administrative Professionals’ Day (Wednesday of the last full week of April). The latter four of these originated in the U.S. and have become popular international observances.
Some popular holidays are purely commercially driven promotional opportunities that are sometimes referred to as “Hallmark holidays” or “shopping holidays.” Specific commercial examples include 7-Eleven Day (7/11) and American Express’ Small Business Saturday (Saturday after Thanksgiving). Broader-themed ones include Sweetest Day (third Saturday in October), Black Friday (Friday after Thanksgiving), Cyber Monday (Monday after Thanksgiving), and Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after Thanksgiving).
Some holidays are Hollywood creations that have captured the public’s imagination and are either celebrated ironically, as is the case with The O.C.’s “Chrismukkah” (Dec. 10) and Seinfeld’s “Festivus” (Dec. 23), or with explosive enthusiasm, such as Parks and Recreation’s “Galentine’s Day” (Feb. 13). The latter, a Valentine’s Day alternative for women to celebrate their female friendships, has become so popular that it already has its own customs and growing selection of merchandise and greeting cards.
“Friendsgiving,” which is a Thanksgiving meal celebrated among friends, is another example. Despite the popular myth, the compound word was never used in any of the memorable Thanksgiving episodes of Friends. It has been traced to a minor 2007 internet post but went mainstream in 2011 after it was used in a Bailey’s Irish Cream campaign and an episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Then there are what’s termed “hashtag holidays” — thousands of them, in fact, that are mostly internet driven and sustained annually using social media hashtags. There’s literally something for everyone, appealing to all manner of passions and interests. A good deal of the well-recognized ones are known collectively as “geek days,” the growing list of which includes Pi Day (3/14), Star Wars Day (May 4, as in “May the fourth be with you”) and the accompanying next day “Revenge of the Fifth” (May 5, which is also Cinco de Mayo), Hobbit Day (Sept. 22), Star Trek Federation Day (Aug. 12), Batman Day (Sept. 16), and Fibonacci Day (11/23).
Not to be outdone by the intelligentsia, foodies have established a veritable smorgasbord of holidays dedicated to specific foods and their ethnic origins, beverages, diets, and even cooking traditions. Some of the most popular ones are National Wine Day (May 25), National Cheese Day (June 4), and National Chocolate Day (Oct. 28).
Are there any holidays we no longer celebrate?
Whether religious or secular in nature, holidays come and go, and that’s true even for a nation as young as the United States. Many holidays that were celebrated in pre-colonial and colonial America were long forgotten by Lincoln’s time. That’s because Puritan religious holidays were intended as subdued days of solemn prayer, and the few remaining secular ones centered squarely on work.
The infamous Maypole
That was intentional. Life was extremely difficult back then, in part due to the harsh winters, and a day off could very well threaten survival. Even Christmas and Easter were originally eschewed as potential distractions that could also invite ostentatiousness and encourage public drunkenness.
Instead, New Englanders eagerly celebrated harvest days, such as Sheep Shearing Day, Corn Husking Day, Maple Syrup Making Day, and Apple Peeling Day. One big holiday was Forefathers Day (Dec. 22), which honored those who risked their lives to travel to the New World on the Mayflower.
Virginia colonists especially enjoyed May Day (May 1), a spring celebration of nature’s rebirth that involved erecting a tall pole, “the Maypole,” which colonists decorated with flowers and danced around. Not to be forgotten was the three-day Christian celebration of All Hallows’ Eve (Oct. 31) — Halloween by the 19th century — through All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
Another well-celebrated holiday was Candlemas Day (Feb. 2), which involved a feast and the lighting of holy candles in prayer. But it became far more popular later on as the secular Groundhog Day thanks to English and German immigrants who began using the day to push a bit of folklore about the rodent’s weather-forecasting abilities.
National Day Calendar: the internet’s holiday gatekeeper
Keeping track of these special days, weeks, and months, and establishing thousands more, is largely the responsibility of the National Day Calendar, the popular website that is a kind of self-appointed arbiter of fun days.
For decades, that duty had been the sole province of Chase’s Calendar of Events, the stately chronicler of more than 10,500 special occasions whose annual reference volume remains a staple of newsrooms everywhere. But beginning around 2017, just four years after the National Day Calendar was established, the team brought holiday making into the digital age, taking full advantage of the world wide web and social media to push the company’s cheerful mission (and motto) to “Celebrate Every Day.”
“We spread positivity around the world and take pride in the fact we put smiles on people’s faces every day,” says company CEO Amy Monette. That’s not just a marketing ploy. She and her small team of “event makers” are practically giddy about putting new celebrations on the calendar — roughly 1,700 “National Days” on the calendar and close to 3,500 overall days, weeks, and months, which are designated “National Days.”
Anyone can propose a holiday at the National Day Calendar. In fact, the staff receives thousands of proposals each month, and it’s committed to reviewing and responding to every one. Competition is extremely stiff. Only about 30 to 35 holidays are approved each year — up from 25 a few years ago — and that only happens by way of a unanimous vote from a four-member committee.
“What we consider a ‘good’ submission varies and depends on the topic,” Monette says. “There are fun topics, serious topics, informative topics, iconic topics, and so forth. However, I think all of us subconsciously think about whether something is unique, will trend well on social media, and has an important message.”
Why not celebrate National Coffee Day and National Cookie Day (which is Dec. 4, by the way) at the same time?
Politics is a definite no-no, as is “anything that could be considered offensive or harmful if celebrated,” Monette explains. Brand-specific days, such as National Starbucks Day, are non-starters; National Coffee Day (Sept. 29), however, not only gives coffee lovers an extra reason to imbibe and get together but also provides coffee sellers with an annual promotional opportunity. You’re certainly welcome to propose a celebration day to honor your amazing brother or sister, but it wouldn’t fly — National Siblings Day (April 10) already serves that purpose.
So, which days are Monette’s favorites? The chief celebrations officer confesses to being particularly fond of National Sangria Day (Dec. 20) and National Pizza Day (Feb. 9), the latter of which she considers a “food group.” But her secret passion seems to be National Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19), which improbably captured the public’s imagination ever since its launch in 1995. “I wanted to be a pirate and hunt for treasures when I was a kid,” Monette says, laughing. “Talk Like a Pirate Day makes me giggle and reminds me of how lucky I am not to have chosen that career path.”
Friendsgiving has become a widely recognized holiday over the past 10 years, particularly among the younger generation. Whether you’re trying to avoid the awkward family conversations at Thanksgiving or are unable to travel home for the holiday, Friendsgiving offers a warm embrace, with traditional and new holiday food and fun times with friends and “chosen” family.
It’s also a great kick-off to the holiday season, says Alexandra Shytsman, who wrote the book “Friendsgiving: Celebrate Your Family of Friends” and has hosted Friendsgiving festivities at her home in New York for 12 years.
What is Friendsgiving?
The first mention of “Friendsgiving” dates back to a tweet from 2007, but many credit the hit show “Friends” for the holiday’s origin. The holiday’s name, which had previously appeared on Merriam-Webster’s “Words We’re Watching” list, was bumped up to an official dictionary entry in January 2020.
“It’s become a pop culture thing in the last decade or so,” Shytsman says.
Approximately seven in 10 young Americans prefer Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving. This is due to a variety of reasons, not the least of which is being able to avoid fielding personal questions from family and not having to worry about offending a relative at the more traditional holiday gathering. Because the event is essentially a more casual version of Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a good way to gather friends, colleagues, or neighbors who are unable to go back home to their family or are wary to travel.
“The concept of a chosen family is something that’s really taken off, especially among communities of young people,” Shytsman says. “People get so excited about getting together with [folks] they don’t see a lot; maybe they want to do something more special with their friends than just going to a bar or ordering takeout. It gives people a good way to organize a holiday gathering.”
When to celebrate Friendsgiving
Although the weekend before Thanksgiving is a popular time to hold the event, some throw their festivities earlier or even later.
“I’ve been to Friendsgivings that are just in November, even if it’s after Thanksgiving or in the first part of the month,” Shytsman says. “It’s always a good idea [to plan ahead] because people travel and holiday calendars fill up quickly.”
The size of a Friendsgiving event is similar to that of Thanksgiving — as big or small as you want (the more the merrier, though, right?) — but the timing of the actual meal tends to be later, with some hosts opting to start serving in the evening at, say, 8 or 9 o’clock. A Friendsgiving brunch is also popular.
Organize the menu
Hosts can make the entire meal, but guests often contribute dishes at a Friendsgiving. One survey found 44% of invitees planned to bring a dish to a potluck-style Friendsgiving fête.
If you’re splitting the cooking responsibilities, coordinate the menu online, Shytsman suggests. “You can start a Google Sheet and send it to your friends,” she says. Encourage everyone to add the dish they’re bringing so you don’t end up with three Brussels sprout dishes and zero potatoes. The ability to see what everyone else is bringing may inspire others to think outside the box with their dish.
What food to make for Friendsgiving
“You’re more likely to have things like dips and crudité — appetizer-style eating,” she says. “If it’s a potluck situation, people who aren’t necessarily cooks might pick up something on the way, [like] a store-bought pie or maybe an order of their favorite buffalo wings from the bar down the street. It’s a little bit more of a hodgepodge of items, as opposed to having a set menu.
In addition to homemade entrees and desserts, Friendsgiving celebrations can include prepared foods. If you do go that route, make sure to serve any premade meals in a nicer dish than the one it arrives in. Also, go the extra mile by adding garnish to the dish to give it some fresh notes and pretty details.
Even though Friendsgiving is a separate event, a lot of millennials — 44% of Americans age 18 to 38, to be exact — say they still expect traditional Thanksgiving fare to be served. Approximately 45% of young revelers want to see mashed potatoes on the table, and 39% would like to dive into some sweet potatoes. Turkeyis the most desired Friendsgiving dish; however, more than half (53%) of people surveyed said they feel it’s also the most intimidating item to make, so don’t count on it being offered at every event.
Regardless of what you serve, instead of a more formal sit-down dinner, Shytsman says, food at a Friendsgiving gathering is typically served buffet-style on kitchen countertops or a coffee table.
Combining old and new traditions
Despite Friendsgiving being a relatively new holiday, many of its celebrants are interested in making parts of it a regular occurrence, with 77% of respondents saying they want to create new traditions that involve the event.
Giving thanks is one practice that can carry over from Thanksgiving to a friend-focused event.
“In my group, that’s something we always do,” Shytsman says. “People make toasts and talk about what they’re grateful for. I’ve also seen postcard-sized cards you can buy. Each person writes down what they’re grateful for, and it can be a cute memento people take home with them after the party.” Create a Friendsgiving-specific version by guessing what everyone is grateful for this year, and see who gets the most correct.
While watching football on TV is a standard pre- and post-meal activity on Thanksgiving, 58% of Americans say they enjoy Friendsgiving more than turkey day because it is a more social event. Keep the energy going at your celebration with new traditions, such as voting on the best dish of the night and awarding the chef a trophy (perhaps that final slice — or bar — of pecan pie).
“It’s great to think, ‘What can we do to keep the energy going?’ and have something planned,” Shytsman says. “Something like charades is always really fun and a good vintage way to engage people, as is any kind of card game.” If charades or card games are not your idea of a fun time, have friends bring over their favorite board game and try something new.
Shytsman has also hosted Friendsgivings that featured a theme, something, she says, you probably wouldn’t do with your family on Thanksgiving.
“There’s a little bit more room to improvise with the menu and just the whole structure of the event,” she says. “You can choose a certain decade [and] do an ’80s Friendsgiving. I’ve done a “Mad Men”-themed Friendsgiving. We all dressed up in that ’60s vibe; it was really fun.”
How to decorate for Friendsgiving
Without a plated table, the seating arrangements at Friendsgiving can be more casual, particularly if the host doesn’t have a formal dining room.
“You can definitely get creative about it,” Shytsman says. “Ask if one of your friends has a folding table, or pick one up. You can also ask people to bring their own folding chairs or pick up some floor poofs or pillows people can sit on.”
Lighting, such as candles or string lights, can also deliver ample ambiance.
Pick up a few mini pumpkins at your local farmers market and scatter them around, or decorate with seasonal or dried flowers. “It doesn’t have to be super fancy,” Shytsman says.
Décor, dishes, and other personal touches can add some panache to even the most casual Friendsgiving. Even without those extra elements, though, the main focus is gathering with the people you care about.
Thanksgiving is a day when we gather with relatives we may not see very often. The holiday — which many people stretch out over several days instead of just the fourth Thursday in November — offers a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to engage with grandchildren and adult siblings to strengthen their connections, and form new ones.
But managing the inherent stresses of the season and the details that come with traveling to someone else’s home, or hosting a large meal at your own, can cloud the true significance of the occasion. The solution? Planning group activities that prompt meaningful conversation and laughter.
“Getting together with family over the holidays can be a way to step out of the busy-ness of everyday life and reconnect with people who know us best,” says therapist David Smith, LCSW, owner of Thriving Family Therapy. “It can be a chance to get and give advice and support, release stress, and build a reservoir of strength and courage to carry us through the months that follow.”
If you’re looking for new ways to bring the family together this Thanksgiving, here is a list of 10 activities to consider.
1. Share love and gratitude with friends and neighbors
You may have heard of May Day flower gifting. Why not extend this sweet custom to Thanksgiving? Combine a healthy family walk with thoughtfulness by secretly delivering a festive fall flower bouquet to a neighbor’s doorstep. (Bonus points if it’s a neighbor you know is spending the holiday alone this year.) We love these bright mums and the fun containers they come in. If you want to spread even more love, visit a bunch of nearby houses, dropping a single bloom off at each.
2. Make gratitude cookies
Many families take the time to share what they are thankful for on this special day. This year, try putting your thoughts into writing — icing writing, that is. A cookie decorating kit has everything you need for this Thanksgiving activity. When considering what to put on your cookies, try going beyond things like “Hope” and “Peace” and offer up more personal ideas, such as “New job” or “My kitten,” or even “Coffee” and “Naps.”
3. Volunteer together
A fantastic way to bond as a family is by serving others. Look for opportunities to volunteer as a group at your local soup kitchen or animal shelter. You can also check with meal delivery organizations for shut-ins, such as Meals on Wheels, and offer your help to give regular volunteers a break on Thanksgiving.
4. Participate in a turkey trot
These typically short, fun races often raise money for local charities and are designed for family participation. To make things more fun, order personalized team T-shirts or sweatshirts to wear during the event.
Spending meaningful time with [family members] can help put the major events of our lives into perspective and provide continuity.
david smith, LCSW
Owner, Thriving Family Therapy
5. Hold a scavenger hunt
Divide into groups for a friendly competition. In addition to giving out a list of easy things to gather — like acorns or red leaves — ask for photographic proof of things like Halloween decorations that are still up or friendly dogs or crazy squirrels. The sillier the photos, the better!
6. Find and paint rocks
Here’s a two-stepped Thanksgiving activity that requires movement and creativity. Before the meal, send some younger family members out on a rock-hunting expedition. Smooth and flat rocks are good choices, but also gather unusual shapes. Rinse the rocks and allow them to dry while everyone’s eating dinner. Afterward, use craft acrylic paint to create colorful masterpieces. Try turning them into animals or flowers, or painting inspirational messages on the surfaces. The finished rocks make great souvenirs of the day. You might even let folks take them home in a special Thanksgiving bag.
7. Craft your family tree
Here’s a fun idea that will get the different generations talking, and it couldn’t be easier. Draw a large tree trunk with empty branches on newsprint or a paper tablecloth. Then, use different finger paint colors to place everyone’s handprint to serve as tree leaves and additional branches. After the paint dries, you can add names and dates, and decorate this beautiful family tree as you wish.
8. Thank each other
Even though we may be spending time with people we see infrequently, we can still take each other for granted. Here’s a way to tell someone exactly what you appreciate about them. Put everyone’s name in a basket for a random drawing. Then, write a thank you card to the person whose name you draw. The idea is to share specific things you admire about them. You can read the finished notes aloud to the group or share them privately, whichever you prefer.
9. Play the Ungame
This unique card game offers “thought-provoking, open-ended questions that really help you to understand each other better,” according to Smith. “We tend to have a set of assumptions about each other, but this game helps us get a better sense of how they (your family members) see the world.” Another good game for getting better acquainted with friends and family is “Do I Know You?”
10. Take a nighttime walk
Many families try to include a walk in their Thanksgiving schedule. This helps the kids let out some energy, and it can help you digest the big meal.
Taking a walk in the dark is an entirely different experience. Encourage everyone to listen to nocturnal sounds, note the phase of the moon, identify any visible stars, and just breathe in the night air. For some added fun, bring along some wintergreen-flavored candy mints. When you chew them, you may be able to see some cool sparks due to triboluminescence, the scientific name for making light with friction.
Sharing a meal or watching a football game with loved ones is fine, but Smith says to truly strengthen connections, you must be intentional about creating opportunities for meaningful interaction.
“Family members provide much of the context, history, and memories that most deeply define who we are,” Smith says. “Spending meaningful time with them can help put the major events of our lives into perspective and provide continuity.
“In these stressful times, it’s easy to become disconnected and feel isolated,” he continues. “Those moments of sharing and support are essential to keep us healthy.”
A juicy and flavorful turkey. Countless sides. Endless sweet and savory pies. A full day and night of football. Spending the day with the people you love.
Thanksgiving is America’s favorite holiday, with a whopping 79% popularity rating. So, it’s no wonder you’re asking the question: When is Thanksgiving this year? If you’re like us, you just can’t wait for the day to arrive!
But before you begin looking up recipes, basting any birds, or making other seasonal preparations, check out our extensive handbook for the holiday, which answers your most pressing Thanksgiving-related questions.
When was the first Thanksgiving?
Based on a letter from a Plymouth, Massachusetts, colonist that mentions the Pilgrims celebrating their first robust corn and barley harvest, November 1621 is thought to be the holiday’s official start.
The first Thanksgiving? Not quite.
A few more fun facts about Thanksgiving:
While debate exists over whether the event involved a meal to acknowledge thankfulness, if the participants did, in fact, dine together, they could have had turkey; the colonist’s letter mentions hunting fowl.
During this time period, large feasts often included wild game. This was a popular autumnal dish in the Pilgrims’ homeland of England that was frequently served stuffed, according to author and food historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson, who runs the website The Food Historian. The British also traditionally paired game meats with sour fruit sauce and jelly garnishes, which means cranberries could have been served alongside the bird.
Although pumpkin pie likely wasn’t served at the 1621 event, pumpkin made its way into a number of dishes during the time period, including cornbread, soups, and desserts, such as custards and pies. This is due in part to the fact that pumpkins grew well in New England and could be kept for a long time in storage, Wassberg Johnson says.
Live exotic animals, such as tigers, bears, and elephants, were featured in the first three Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades between 1924 and 1926. The event’s iconic large balloons didn’t debut until 1927, when a nearly two-story-high Felix the Cat floated above the parade route on Thanksgiving Day.
Why is Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November?
President George Washington issued a public decree in 1789 for a day of thanksgiving, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November would be a national day of Thanksgiving.
We have the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, to thank for the holiday’s current calendar spot. In 1941, as the U.S. recovered from the Great Depression, the last Thursday of November fell on the final day of the month, Nov. 30. To elongate the Christmas shopping season, Roosevelt established the official Thanksgiving holiday date as the fourth Thursday in November.
Is Thanksgiving celebrated in other countries?
Nine other countries celebrate some form of Thanksgiving. Of those, three have events that are similar to the U.S. holiday.
Some features of Canada’s Thanksgiving and America’s are alike. Both, for instance, involve turkey. The Great White North’s celebration, though, is older, reportedly dating back to 1578. Its annual date also differs, taking place on the second Monday in October.
Liberia, a West African nation established by former slaves who came from America in 1847, celebrates Thanksgiving also in November but on the first Thursday of the month. The holiday is similar to the American version, with celebrations ranging from a lavish meal to simply taking the day off work.
Locals in Norfolk Island, a sparsely populated Australian territory in between Australia and New Zealand, reportedly picked up the Thanksgiving tradition after a U.S. trader held a holiday celebration at a church when visiting in the late 1800s. Islanders now serve a mix of dishes that include pork, chicken, and bananas on the last Wednesday of November. As in the U.S., residents finish their meal with pumpkin pie.
What is Friendsgiving?
Hosting a pre-holiday dinner for friends, often the weekend before Thanksgiving, is a new tradition called Friendsgiving. This unofficial holiday has seen its popularity rise in recent years, especially among millennials and other young adults.
Often involving a more casual meal than the one served on the actual holiday, Friendsgiving has no hard-and-fast rules. Whether you invite people over for light bites or a full meal, setting out an elegant — yet simple to assemble — charcuterie board, paired with several wines that are offered in a self-serve or tasting format, can be a festive start.
What day is Thanksgiving this year?
In 2024, Thanksgiving will be Thursday, Nov. 28. Next year, the holiday will be on Nov. 27, and in 2026, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Nov. 26.
What are some traditional activities to do on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a day steeped in tradition. Participating in an organized road race in the morning (often called a “turkey trot”), watching parades and football, and going out in the community to help others are just a few of the activities we typically do on this day.
Other ways to celebrate Thanksgiving are by making crafts and DIY decor. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Event planner Annemarie Schumacher, principal and owner of PR and event services company Schumacher Creative, who also blogs about home entertaining, recommends inviting guests at least one month beforehand to allow time to confirm how many will be attending.
“Based on the number of people you are hosting, pull together your menu and shopping list at least two weeks prior to turkey day,” Schumacher says. “This will help you avoid any last-minute omissions.”
At least a week before the event, check to make sure you have the necessary number of plates, chairs, utensils, and other items, she advises. If you are short, consider looking into leasing what you need.
“Utilizing rentals can be an essential but frequently overlooked part of Thanksgiving planning,” Schumacher says. “You can also rent linens, such as tablecloths and napkins, [and] silverware and glassware. It’s a great option that typically isn’t a huge investment and can be well worth the price.”
What are some popular Thanksgiving dishes?
Food is an essential part of Thanksgiving. The meal we sit down to on the fourth Thursday of November is one of the most beloved — and highly anticipated — of the year.
Traditional Thanksgiving foods include:
Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Green bean casserole
Stuffing
Gravy
Rolls
But it doesn’t end there. After the meal, get ready for the dessert course, which typically consists of a variety of pies, cakes, and pastries, including:
Pumpkin pie
Pecan pie
Apple pie
Sweet potato pie
Cheesecake
Cookies
Brownies
Above all, though, the purpose of Thanksgiving is right there in the name — to give thanks. And to help get you in that spirit, here are 79 quotes about gratitude.
All you moms out there, listen up: We know that when it comes to hosting Thanksgiving, it’s easy for you to bite off more than you can chew. (No pun intended.) But, with a little attention to simplifying tasks and organization — from a turkey that needs hours of attention to a beautifully set table — you can make the day more enjoyable for yourself.
Moms can have a mixed relationship with the holiday. There’s the anticipation of how many guests will show. Do they prepare the entire meal, get premade items, or ask attendees to bring something? Will they be in total host mode that prevents them from enjoying the holiday? Will they have have enough food? How much will everything cost? And will they have enough leftovers to make their favorite turkey chili the following day?
If thinking about all this is stressing you out, chill. Our ultimate Thanksgiving checklist has 10 simple hosting tips that will help any mom feel like a guest at her own celebration.
1. Smart planning
Your smartphone calendar is all you need to be organized. Sketch out an idea of the hosting responsibilities and set the dates to complete them. Include everything from what to serve, the days to shop for food, and table setting needs.
Find uninterrupted time, like a Saturday afternoon over a workday, to review your tabletop inventory. Organize what will be used for the gathering and group items together, such as a set of linen napkins and napkin holders. During your routine market trips weeks before the holiday, pick up basic Thanksgiving needs, such as salad dressing and butter that have an extended expiration date so you won’t have an epic shopping trip close to the holiday. This also simplifies unloading and storing the food in what’s sure to be a jammed refrigerator and pantry.
2. Secure the guest list
Firm up the number of guests as quickly as possible. Think of the event as a regular family dinner with added holiday treatment, food, and seating. Also, make a list of what is needed for the entire guest list and if you have enough for your desired amount of leftovers. As the date draws closer, refrain from adding more people to the guest list unless there is enough food and space to accommodate them.
3. Contact guests for personal requests
Don’t be surprised by last-minute food requests on the day of Thanksgiving. Once you have your guest list confirmed, contact everyone before the event for any specific requests, which will eliminate last-minute scrambling for alternative meals. It’s always a good idea to have fruit and crudité options that meet most dietary needs.
4. Create the menu and plan deliveries
A few weeks before the occasion, review your food supply and draft a shopping list of what is needed. When creating the menu, find shortcuts like pre-made rolls, nuts, fine cheeses, and desserts. Another option? It doesn’t get any easier than having beautiful meals delivered. Arranging your flower delivery three to four weeks in advance is another important to-do, says Renato Sogueco, vice president of digital strategy and education at BloomNet.
“This will guarantee a premium selection by giving the florist time to confirm availability with the supplier (even grower), the first choice in anything available,” he says. “It also optimizes pricing, as well as allows for time to comparison shop with other florists.”
5. Avoid shopping at the last minute
With your guest list secured, reserve a time to buy everything that’s needed, including the food, candles, cleaning products, and beverages. Keep a budget in mind so you don’t overspend on non-essentials, such as fancy seeded crackers no one likes. Cross out another step by selecting online meals that are sent to your home.
Pro tip: The Monday before Thanksgiving is a good time to purchase the turkey and shop for fresh foods. Anyone who has ventured into a supermarket the day before the holiday understands that it’s sensible to avoid the shopping pandemonium associated with crowds. Monday also leaves enough time to defrost a frozen turkey.
6. Delegate
Martyrs are for fantasy novels. When it comes to hosting for the holidays, taking on all the challenging tasks is a setup for a cranky host. From asking guests to bring their favorite side, setting the table, and cleanup duty, outline tasks that can be farmed out so you can focus on your favorite parts of the celebration.
Pro tip: Set the table the night before to remove a step on Thanksgiving day.
7. Dust off the formal china and silver
Make polishing the silver part of your checklist and take care of it the weekend before Thanksgiving. Also, review your table setting favorites that will make an appearance on the holiday table. Forego any important pieces if your guest list has younger members this year, and simply dress up your everyday tableware with added accents like flowers and favors guests can take home. Not only will the table be eye-catching, but it will also give you an updated look.
8. Add trending touches
Using the same tablescape each year is predictable and lacks the wow factor. We are no longer in Thanksgivings past, where the ceramic turkey centerpiece is pulled out annually for its one-day-of-the-year viewing. Instead, decorate the table with current inspirations and a one-of-a-kind flower arrangement. Even holiday candy displayed on a pedestal plate or in vintage teacups can be part of the table’s decor.
9. Modern traditions
There are certain must-haves to the Thanksgiving meal. Can you imagine what the reaction would be if you decided to serve a roasted chicken with french fries? However, having a favorite dish that may not fall into the traditional menu could be the hit of the meal. Start a new tradition where you include a trending fall food that will delight guests and guarantee to get a large serving on your dinner plate. Another option is adding a delicious dessert along with the pie staples that are certain to be devoured.
10. Cleanup
Before serving the meal, arrange a large, lined trash receptacle in a visible yet out-of-the-way area so guests can discard their scraps. Fill the sink with warm soapy water so everyone can easily attend to their dishes. Keep cute dish towels on hand to add holiday flair, even during cleanup. The pre-meal cleaning task may sound odd but the objective is deliberate by alleviating the host of an added step after the dinner. Guests will also feel useful by helping with minimal effort.
The meal
Putting together a Thanksgiving feast is all about the planning. Stay organized and keep track of the foods and accessories you need with our ultimate Thanksgiving meal checklist.
Start with delicious appetizers
From tasty bites to creamy dips, there’s nothing like fresh Thanksgiving appetizers to start the celebration.
Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing glass of cider or fall-themed cocktail, fill up your cup — and those of everyone in attendance — with something good this Thanksgiving!
Bring fall-friendly décor into your home — and especially your dining room. From rich colors to warm autumn tones, highlight everything you love about the season.
Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.
̶ Alex Haley
Where would we be without grandparents? They’re the glue that bonds us and all our relatives together, the piece of the family puzzle that holds everything in place. They show us unshakable compassion, attention, and love, and, more often than not, are our favorite relatives, too.
Grandparents are a big deal, and we love them so much there’s even a nationally recognized holiday dedicated to them — National Grandparents’ Day!
In honor of this special day, which this year falls on Sept. 10, let’s learn more about how it came to be along with some ideas for showing our grandparents how much we treasure them.
The history of National Grandparents’ Day
The origins of National Grandparents’ Day date back to 1961. During a White House conference on aging, a man named Jacob Reingold found inspiration in a speech that focused on the new image of the aged and was determined to figure out how to honor the role of grandparents.
That same year, Reingold helped facilitate the first Grandparents’ Day at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the Bronx, and in 1963 the borough recognized Grandparents’ Day as an official holiday.
The next big step occurred in 1970, when a woman named Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, started a campaign to establish a special day of recognition for grandparents. McQuade was well qualified to lead the charge: She had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and had worked with senior citizens for many years.
Her idea caught the attention of Sen. Jennings Randolph of West Virginia. Randolph petitioned to have Grandparents’ Day established as a statewide holiday, which Gov. Arch Moore did in 1973, and continued to work to have the day recognized as a national holiday. Finally, with McQuade’s help, the senator’s efforts paid off, and in 1978 Congress declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents’ Day. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation on Sept. 6, 1979, three days before the holiday’s first nationwide celebration.
Why do we celebrate National Grandparents’ Day?
The original proclamation described National Grandparents’ Day as a time 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.”
While the day is dedicated to thanking grandparents for their love and support, it is also a time to make children aware of the great wisdom their grandparents and other elderly community members have, and how they can learn from them.
7 ways to celebrate National Grandparents’ Day
There are so many things you can do on National Grandparents’ Day to show grandma and grandpa your appreciation for how much they’ve shaped your life. Just the simple act of setting aside some time for them and letting them know you care has numerous benefits, for young and old alike.
Here are seven simple yet heartwarming ideas they’re sure to love.
1. Send them a hand-written note
Can’t make it in person? Surprise grandma and grandpa with a heartfelt letter written by hand. Include a photo of you together to really pull at their heartstrings.
2. Tend to their yard or garden
Show an interest in their prized garden by giving it some TLC! Whether it be simply watering the plants, pulling the weeds, or actually planting some seeds, grandma and grandpa will surely appreciate the thought and effort.
3. Take them out to lunch
Cater to their favorite cuisine, or surprise them with a unique dining experience they have never tried before. If you want to be a little more hands-on, you can cook them a meal or have one delivered to their home.
4. Bond over the arts
Does grandpa love to watch classic films? Or maybe grandma loves to paint. Find out their favorite artistic activity and indulge in a day discussing favorites, swapping masterpieces, or embarking on a new artistic venture together.
5. Ask them to share stories and photos of their youth
Grandma and grandpa have a long history together, most of which you probably do not even know about. Serve up some coffee and desserts and ask them to share some of their fondest and most interesting memories — you may be surprised at what you learn!
6. Spend time doing their favorite activity
Be it baking, fishing, or even dancing, join them in partaking in their favorite past time. You may find you enjoy it just as much as they do!
7. Surprise them with a framed photo
Enlist the help of family members to dig up old photos of the two of them together. Then, gift them this photo framed and ready for hanging.
Gift ideas for National Grandparents’ Day
What do you do for your grandparents if you live too far away to spend the day with them? Send them a gift! Here are some popular options any set of grandparents would love to receive.
It’s Labor Day, which means you should not spend hours prepping in the kitchen to create an amazing spread for friends and family. The last (“unofficial”) hurrah of the summer deserves celebration and, better yet, to be enjoyed fully with minimal effort in the cooking department and these easy dinner ideas will do just that.
The best way to approach this end-of-the-season get-together is to prepare some quick appetizers, a side dish or two, an easy entrée (the grill is your best friend), and a simple make-ahead or no-bake dessert, all served family style. You do minimal work a day or two ahead of time with these easy dinner ideas and then assemble quickly and serve, leaving more time to mingle with your guests.
Labor-free appetizers
For appetizers, Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites and Whipped Ricotta and Cherry Crostini are perfect, as they both use in-season ingredients. You can make the cream cheese mixture for the cucumber bites as well as toast the crostini ahead of time — leave the latter at room temperature until you whip the ricotta. Then, quickly assemble them close to the start of the party, and they are on the table for when your guests arrive.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Slice an English cucumber into rounds. Combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt to taste, and chopped fresh dill. Spoon a small amount onto each cucumber round and top with smoked salmon. Garnish with fresh dill.
Whipped Ricotta and Cherry Crostini
Toast slices of a baguette. Whip 16 ounces whole milk ricotta, 1 tablespoon of honey, a pinch of salt, and zest of one lemon in a food processor. Spread the whipped ricotta over toasted bread and top with cherry preserves, a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, and torn fresh mint leaves. Chop some sweet cherries and put those on top, too. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Labor-free side dish
For side dishes, I went with a very seasonal Tomato and Peach Burrata Salad with Basil Vinaigrette, and Sautéed Corn with Jalapeño, Lime, and Basil. Go ahead and make the vinaigrette up to three days in advance. The corn is amazing cold or at room temperature, so make this the day before and add the basil just before serving to ensure it stays vibrant and fresh.
Tomato Peach Burrata Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
For the vinaigrette, add 2 ½ cups loosely packed basil leaves, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, ½ cup olive oil, one clove garlic, a pinch of crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a drizzle of honey to a food processor. Blend until smooth. This can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated.
Slice grape tomatoes in half and slice peaches into wedges. Arrange on a platter and season with salt; then add burrata, basil vinaigrette, and fresh basil leaves.
Corn with Lime, Jalapeño, and Basil
Cut the kernels off eight ears of corn. Add olive oil to a sauté pan and add corn. Sauté 3 minutes, then add kosher salt, 1 tablespoon jalapeño jelly, zest and juice of one lime, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Sauté another 2 minutes. Stir in finely chopped basil if serving immediately, or reserve and add right before eating if making ahead. Can be served hot or cold.
Labor-free main course
I served these sides with peppercorn-rubbed ribeye steaks grilled to perfection and then sliced so guests can grab them easily, buffet style.
To prepare the meat, season liberally with a peppercorn steak spice on both sides and let it come to room temperature (30 minutes to 1 hour).
Grill on high (450-500° F) for 3 minutes on each side. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking to medium rare (until the internal temperature reads 135° F). Feel free cook to your desired doneness. Medium-rare is about 8 minutes of total cooking time, so allow for slightly longer if you prefer a more well-done steak.
Allow the steaks to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Labor-free dessert
Finish your labor-free Labor Day feast with make-ahead and no-bake Blueberry Lemon Trifles. Serve them in little jars to see all those pretty layers of lemon pound cake, mascarpone cream, lemon curd, blueberry preserves, and, of course, fresh juicy summer blueberries.
Blueberry Lemon Trifles
Slice lemon pound cake into ½-inch squares. In a small bowl, stir together 8 ounces softened mascarpone cream and ½ cup heavy cream until smooth. Layer the jars or small cups with squares of cake, cream, lemon curd, fresh blueberries, more cake, blueberry preserves, and more cream, and finish with fresh blueberries on top.
Round out these easy dinner ideas with some ice cold drinks, a festive playlist, and great company. Here’s to a very happy — and labor-free — Labor Day!
