My month-at-a-glance calendar tells me that Grandparents Day falls on Sunday, September 9th, but perhaps an even more fitting day to celebrate our grandparents would be today, the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of Our Lady and patrons of parents and grandparents alike.
Here are a few quick ideas for anyone who wishes to honor their grandparents today or anytime:
- Place photographs of your children's grandparents in a place of honor today - the fireplace mantel, the dining room table or the prayer corner, perhaps. Add flowers from the garden, pretty stones or shells the children collect. Place a small candle next to each frame to light as you pray.
- Send a little care package to grandparents who live far away. Add a handwritten note, some goodies and crafts made by the children. Tuck in a prayer card of St. Anne and St. Joachim, asking these beloved saints to watch over your dear family members.
- Together with your child, decorate a frame to hold a picture of their grandparents. This would be nice to keep in the child's bedroom.
- Arrange to spend some time visiting with grandparents - if not today, soon. Plan a little tea or invite them to Sunday dinner. Ask them to tell you about their lives when they were young.
- Start a small photo album for pictures of times spent with the grandparents. Add to it after each visit. (A lovely Christmas present, perhaps?)
- A beautiful book to share with your children today is Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by Tomie de Paola.
- Consider visiting a nursing home, taking along a basket of treats to pass out.
- Ask your pastor if there are elderly parishioners who could use help with any number of things - a ride to Mass, lawn work or just company.
- Share memories of your own grandparents with your children today.
According to A Continual Feast, a traditional food for today is a fruit tart. You could make up one yourself, using what fruit you have on hand, or pick one up at the grocer's. But do you know what I think would be a fun treat, especially for small appetites (young and old)? How about those little individual-size graham cracker pie crusts? Fill them up with vanilla pudding or yogurt and top with chopped fresh fruit ~ voila! A tiny fruit tart to share with your grandma or grandpa, or to enjoy in their honor today.
A beautiful Thursday to you all!
