American Family Day on the First Sunday in August encourages us to enjoy the waning summer rays with those dearest to us.

Principally, the day encourages families to spend time with one another. Unlike some other familial holidays, the proclamation of the day discourages gift giving. Instead, the observance urges focusing on family relationships. As August is Family Fun Month, this holiday is a chance to spend more time making memories with your family.

"Live your life with love as your guiding principle - keep you family and close friends close." - Barbara Bush

While we all may not need a reminder to focus on our family, sometimes we get caught up in the business of life. Perhaps there’s never time for the whole family to be together. Occasionally, we realize one family member or another needs more attention. Time slips by, and we need to check in on a parent or an elderly relative.

Connecting with those who mean the most to us maintains our foundations. Even our newest family members need nurturing, so they continue to grow and blossom. The best gift we can give our families is ourselves.

AMERICAN FAMILY DAY HISTORY

Now annually celebrated across the United States on the first Sunday in August, this day began as a 1-year proclamation. It was signed by Governor Raul Castro, declaring August 7, 1977, as American Family Day. The following year, Governor Bruce Babbit signed the day into law as an official Arizona holiday.

Explore More…

• Parents Day
• Grandparents Day
• Intergenerational Day
• Senior Citizens Day
• Sons and Daughters Day
• Cousins Day
• Aunts & Uncles Day
• American Family Day
• Father – in – law day
• Reconciliation Day
• Visit Your Relatives Day
• Cheer Up The Lonely Day
• Family Fun Month
• Middle Child Day
• Father’s Day
• National Roots Day
• Mother’s Day
• National Birth Mother’s Day
• Siblings Day
• Brother’s Day
• Sister’s Day
• Foster Care Day
• Foster Care Month
• National Adoption Day
• National Adoption Month
• World Adoption Day
• Respect for Parents Day
• National Friendship Day
• International Friendship Day
• Family Stories Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #AMERICANFAMILYDAY

Enjoy time with your family! There are many ways to do that, too.

• Play games outdoors or go for a walk.
• Pick up some fresh fruit together.
• Visit grandparents and bring them a picnic lunch.
• Take an art class together.
• Tour a museum. 
• Try out a new recipe and get the whole family involved in the cooking.

How will you celebrate your family? Gather with other families and use #AmericanFamilyDay to post on social media.