It is often said that grandparents pamper grandchildren. They say that there are parents for strictness and upbringing, but the task of the older generation is not only to share experiences, but also to ensure that kids have a happy and fun childhood. And then their grateful grandchildren remember their grandparents all their lives with love and reverence.
Good to know
In many countries of the world there is even a holiday dedicated to them. Grandparents Day is celebrated in Moldova, Poland, Italy and France. And this holiday has nothing to do with World Older Persons Day, which is held annually on October 1 at the initiative of the United Nations. And this is right, because not all representatives of the older generation can rightfully be called grandparents. After all, they may well have no grandchildren or children.
So, the Day of Grandparents in Poland is celebrated on two dates - January 21 and 22. This approach allows you to congratulate the elderly members of the family individually and to express respect to each of them - after all, most often they have different traditional functions. Grandmothers are almost always famous as culinary specialists, pampering their grandchildren with delicious food. And grandfathers often tell fairy tales, read books, take grandchildren fishing, in sections, or just for walks. Although sometimes these responsibilities can be completely different.
They love their old people in Moldova, Italy and France no less. There this holiday takes place on different days. In Italy, it was established in 2005 by the "first grandfather" of the state - President Carlo Champi. He chose the
Catholic Guardian Angels Day for such an important family
holiday . And on the initiative of Turkey, such a holiday began to be celebrated on February 8, before Valentine's Day. This choice is intended to emphasize that all the events of our life begin with the meeting of our grandparents.
Celebration in Russia
And how are things in our country? Is Grandparents Day celebrated in Russia? Until recently, older relatives were deprived of their separate memorable date. But thanks to the Dutch Flower Bureau, grandparents began to celebrate in Russia.
For 5 years, October 28 has been considered a festive date for all the happy owners of grandchildren and granddaughters. It was first celebrated in 2009, and over time it only became more popular. The choice of date for celebrating Grandparents Day in Russia is not accidental: among the Slavs this day was very important. After all, this is now a forgotten holiday of the family hearth and strong family relationships.
What do grandparents usually give in Russia?
Traditional gifts are sweets, sweets, household items - all that will emphasize the comfort of the older generation. The grandmother will be especially pleased with simple kitchen appliances that can facilitate her work in the kitchen. Modern elderly people are quite at odds with most household appliances, but, of course, it would be better if the gift is not too difficult to handle. By the way, to be closer to your grandparents, you can give them such a present as a mobile phone. Now almost all specialized stores sell so-called “grandmothers” - easy-to-operate models designed for those who find it difficult to keep up with the world of high technologies.
The European tradition is also in fashion to give grandparents houseplants in pots - after all, they also cared for us, their grandchildren, and raised them for joy. This approach is very touching and will certainly appeal to older people. Although any gift made by grandchildren will surely take the most important place in their hearts.
Other gift options
Another wonderful gift for grandparents will be a photo album with your joint photos or just with portraits of all family members. It is especially significant for those who live far from their grandchildren and see them quite rarely. The photo album will be a good reminder that you value and love your older relatives. And if good and good words are also written in it, the gift will be doubly significant. And if you consider paper media “the last century”, you can introduce grandparents to the latest - give them a digital photo frame. It combines the functions of a photo album and a decorative element of the interior.
Grandfather's Day Presents in Russia?
We all know that, unlike ours, European and Japanese pensioners do not lose time and often travel with pleasure after finishing work. They can be seen in almost any country: tanned, smiling people with cameras that savor every moment of their lives. Unfortunately, for our grandparents this pastime is often too expensive. But perhaps that’s why they have caring grandchildren. If you want to give them a luxurious and memorable gift, get them a ticket to the sanatorium - so that they can rest from sitting at home and see the world and improve their health - after all, in old age this will definitely be worthwhile. And if there is a desire and opportunity, take them on a trip personally - which can be more wonderful and pleasant for grandparents than to spend time with grandchildren, also on a trip.
And it’s not necessary to go to exotic countries, because in Russia there are many interesting places that you can visit with high comfort, because grandparents hardly want extreme travel.
Conclusion
For that matter, the most important, necessary and useful gift for the elderly will be your attention and participation in their lives. Stop by to visit them on Grandparents' Day, on the weekend, or just in the evening for tea and cake. Talk to them about everything in the world, help them do some small housework, fix something that’s broken, or just spend time together. Ask to share experiences, tell stories from their youth. Indeed, it is the love of loved ones, their support and participation in life that prolongs life, gives confidence in one's own need and helps to survive any difficulties. And their grandmother and grandfather year after year, unfortunately, becomes more and more. Therefore, help them every day, not only on holiday.