NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

September 12, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the Sunday following Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, honors the love only grandparents can provide.

Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. These hugging, caring and patient people in the lives of children offer more than a generous dose of love. Grandparents provide an abundance of wisdom. They also offer guidance and stability.

Nacome Solar Garden Outdoor Statues Turtle with Succulent and 7 LED Lights - Lawn Decor Tortoise Statue for Patio, Balcony, Yard Ornament - Unique Housewarming Gifts — Freshcut Paper Pop Up Cards, Orchid Oasis, 12 inch Life Sized Forever Flower Bouquet 3D Popup Greeting Cards with Note Card and Envelope

When grandchildren need a story, grandparents tell the best. A grandparent’s wealth of family history and lore offers lessons of their own. Through humorous stories and some serious ones, grandparents gently point grandchildren in the right direction.

In 2004, the National Grandparents Day Council of Chula Vista, California announced a song for the day. A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill became the official song of the United States National Grandparents Day holiday. The Council presented Prill with the National Songwriter’s Award for his song, too.

The forget-me-not is the official flower for National Grandparents Day.

As the number of grandparents grows from 65 million in 2011 to 80 million in 2020, expect the observance to increase in significance, too.

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY

Celebrated in the United States since 1978, the United States Senate and President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the significant contributions that seniors have made throughout history. It was also her hope to have the youth “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day or a year, but rather for a lifetime.

The Joint Resolution

In February of 1977, Senator Randolph along with the concurrence of other senators introduced a joint resolution to the Senate. The resolution requested the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.” After Congress passed the resolution, on August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Other Claims

Others claim the origin of this holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna of North Syracuse, New York. She recognized seniors and their importance as early as 1961. New York Congressman James T. Walsh awarded her efforts on February 21, 1990, in front of the United States House of Representatives. He also thanked Hermine Beckett Hanna “for her important role in the establishment of Grandparents Day.”

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandparentsDay

While we have our grandparents in our lives, it is important to cherish them. Spend time with your grandparents. Learn about their life and ask questions to keep the stories coming. Do the things they enjoy doing. Sometimes, they only want to spend time with you.

How else can you celebrate the day?

Pick up the phone! Surprise your grandparents with a much-awaited phone conversation.
Take your grandparents on an adventure. Plan a day doing their favorite things – one of which is probably spending time with you.
Write a letter to your grandparents. Share with them the things you’ve been doing. They will read your letter over and over.
Learn something from a grandparent. Have you always wanted to know how to make Grandma’s pecan pie or catch a whopper from the river? Grandma or Grandpa will probably show you how. You only need to ask.
Help them out. Clean out a flower bed. Take out the trash. Mow the lawn. Paint a room. Fix the internet. Run an errand. The list goes on.
Take a photo. Sometimes we forget to capture moments with the people we love the most. Take a photo with your grandparent and make sure they get a copy.
Speaking of photos, spend some time looking through old photos with your grandparents. Ask them questions about the people in them and record the information.
Adopt a grandparent. As surprising as it may seem, there are some of our older generations who have no grandchildren. However, they still have love and wisdom to share.

If you no longer have living grandparents, share a fond memory of them. Remember something each of them taught you or one of the fun things you used to do. You can also write down your memories to share with future generations.

Use #NationalGrandparentsDay to post on social media.

Customizable Grandparent's Day Gift for Grandparents | Nana and Papa's House | Grandpa Grandma Doormat | Nanny | Nana | Granny Door Mat - Premium Quality, Thick Coir & Made in the USA — Customizable Grandparent’s Day Gift for Grandparents | Nana and Papa’s House | Grandpa Grandma Doormat | Nanny | Nana | Granny Door Mat – Premium Quality, Thick Coir & Made in the USA

Grandparents Legacy Journal (Charcoal, 85 Pages) - Memory Journal for Grandparents & Parents - Grandma Scrapbook Album - Ideal Gift for Grandparents — Customizable Grandparent’s Day Gift for Grandparents | Nana and Papa’s House | Grandpa Grandma Doormat | Nanny | Nana | Granny Door Mat – Premium Quality, Thick Coir & Made in the USA

Kiss and Make up Day

August 24, 2026August 19, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Let go of resentment, grudges, anger, and indignation. August 25th is Kiss and Make Up Day. This unofficial holiday encourages people to make up and reconcile with anyone they are estranged with – at work, school, or in their family.

Conflicts happen in life. Disagreements are a big part of our relationships with others. Best friends, friends, families, and co-workers, may all experience them.

Kiss and make up is an English language idiom that means to forgive someone and be friends again with them.

A Second Chance

Kiss and Make Up Day provides a second chance – it is a day to set aside all difference and let people in our lives know that despite all the quarrels and the disagreements, they mean a lot to us.

Explore More…

How to Celebrate?

Did You Know…

…that in many cultures kissing on the cheek is a sign of respect and friendship?

Celebrating Dad: Father’s Day 2026

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21st. While Mother’s Day had an earlier official start, the journey to honor dads is a fascinating story of determination, love, and a little bit of stubbornness. The modern celebration owes its existence to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by a single father in Washington state. After hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she argued that fathers deserved equal recognition. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, but it took decades—and a push from President Richard Nixon—to finally make it a permanent national holiday in 1972. Unlike the flowers and frills of May, Father’s Day was born from a quiet, rugged appreciation for the men who show up every single day.

The Qualities That Define Great Fathers
What makes a dad truly memorable? While every father is unique, certain timeless qualities rise to the top. First is steadfastness—the ability to be a calm anchor in a stormy world. Great fathers also embody selflessness, often putting their family’s needs quietly ahead of their own, from working late shifts to giving up the last slice of pizza. Another key trait is guidance, not through lectures, but through showing integrity, resilience, and humor in everyday life. Finally, the best dads offer unconditional support; they are the ones in the bleachers, at the graduation, or on the other end of the phone at 2 AM. These qualities don’t require perfection—just presence.

The 14th is the third Sunday in June 2026, plan a full day for something special. Start with a classic breakfast in bed (or at the kitchen table) featuring his favorites—bacon, pancakes, and strong coffee. Because 2026 is also a World Cup year (the tournament runs through mid-July), consider planning an afternoon viewing party for a match, complete with his preferred snacks and a cold drink. If sports aren’t his thing, organize a no-fuss BBQ or backyard fire pit where the whole family can gather. The key is to remove stress: handle the cooking, cleanup, and logistics so he can simply relax and enjoy the company.

Meaningful Gifts That Go Beyond Another Tie
This year, think about gifts that align with his hobbies or create future memories. For the handyman dad, a customized tool organizer or a high-quality multi-tool is both practical and thoughtful. For the foodie father, a subscription to a gourmet spice or hot sauce club keeps giving long after June 14th. However, the most impactful gifts are often experiences: book a half-day fishing trip, buy tickets to a local car show, or simply give a handwritten letter detailing your favorite memories together. Research shows that experiential gifts and personal notes are remembered far longer than any store-bought gadget.

BIGASUO Digital Picture Frame, 10.1" Frameo Digital Frame WiFi with 32GB Memory, 1280x800 IPS Touch Screen, Send Photos/Videos from Your Phone Anywhere, Photo Gifts for Parents and Grandparents — BIGASUO Digital Picture Frame, 10.1″ Frameo Digital Frame WiFi with 32GB Memory, 1280×800 IPS Touch Screen, Send Photos/Videos from Your Phone Anywhere, Photo Gifts for Parents and Grandparents

HOTO 25-Piece Upgraded Electric Screwdriver Kit, 1/4'' Hex, Magnetic Lid, 1500mAh Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver, LED Light, Ideal for Furniture Assembly, Home Repair & Garage Projects — BIGASUO Digital Picture Frame, 10.1″ Frameo Digital Frame WiFi with 32GB Memory, 1280×800 IPS Touch Screen, Send Photos/Videos from Your Phone Anywhere, Photo Gifts for Parents and Grandparents

Don’t Forget the Long-Distance Dad
If you can’t be there in person on June 14, 2026, technology makes distance feel smaller. Schedule a coordinated video call where everyone logs in at the same time for a virtual toast. Consider using a meal delivery service to send his favorite restaurant dinner right to his door, then eat “together” over video. Another creative idea is a digital photo frame you can update remotely with new family pictures throughout the day. Even a simple, well-timed text or voice memo saying “I was thinking of you” can mean the world to a dad who misses you.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Everyday Hero
Father’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or expensive presents. It’s about pausing to recognize the man who taught you how to ride a bike, fix a leaky faucet, or laugh at your own mistakes. As you prepare for June 14, 2026, remember that the best celebration mirrors the best fathers: genuine, warm, and a little bit playful. Whether you’re grilling burgers, watching a soccer match, or simply sitting on the porch together, your attention and gratitude are the real gifts. So go ahead—mark your calendar, pick up the phone, and tell him exactly why he matters. He’s earned it.

Share your favorite memory, pictures and more to social media. Use #Father’sDay to show how much you appreciate him to the world.

MQUPIN Premium Wood Whiskey Glass Gift Set, Handmade Carbonized Tumblers with 6 Granite Whiskey Stones, Perfect for Fathers Day & Birthdays

Hi Peach Layne, Father's Day Gift Set, with Golf Ball Coffee Mug and Shaving Cream, 2.5oz — MQUPIN Premium Wood Whiskey Glass Gift Set, Handmade Carbonized Tumblers with 6 Granite Whiskey Stones, Perfect for Fathers Day & Birthdays

Celebrating Mom in May

April 30, 2026May 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

May arrives with longer days, blooming flowers, and a gentle reminder to pause and celebrate the women who shape our lives from the shadows of selflessness. While we often honor mothers with greeting cards and brunch reservations, the true essence of “Mom” lies not in a single Sunday, but in the quiet, relentless rhythm of family life.

A mother—or the mother figure who steps into that role—is the family’s emotional architect. She is the one who remembers the school permission slips, the pediatrician appointments, and which child is afraid of the dark. She tracks not just birthdays, but the subtle shifts in mood: the slumped shoulders after a tough day, the fidgeting that signals worry, the sudden silence that means something is wrong.

At dawn, she is often the first to rise. Not out of obligation, but out of love’s habit. She brews coffee while packing lunches, writes a sticky-note joke for a child’s lunchbox, and somehow knows exactly when to offer a hug or simply sit in companionable quiet. By mid-morning, she may be a mediator of sibling squabbles, a cheerleader for a failed math quiz, or a translator between a teenager’s grunts and a partner’s confusion.

As the sun arcs higher, the mom figure becomes the family’s logistical mastermind. She juggles carpools, extracurricular schedules, grocery lists, and the invisible labor of maintaining a home—changing sheets, restocking bandages, remembering whose turn it is to take out the trash. Often, she holds a paid job outside the home, adding professional deadlines to the emotional and domestic ones.

Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 32GB (newest model) — 11” paper-like color display with front light — Thin, light, powerful — Write in notebooks, documents, and books. Includes Premium Pen - Graphite — Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 32GB (newest model) — 11” paper-like color display with front light — Thin, light, powerful — Write in notebooks, documents, and books. Includes Premium Pen – Graphite

grace & stella Under Eye Patches (12 pairs) Eye Masks for Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles - Graduation Gifts for Teens, Birthdays, Bachelorette Party Favors... — Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 32GB (newest model) — 11” paper-like color display with front light — Thin, light, powerful — Write in notebooks, documents, and books. Includes Premium Pen – Graphite

But her role goes far beyond tasks. A mother is the family’s historian and storyteller. She keeps the photo albums (digital or physical), reminds everyone where the baby lost their first tooth, and repeats the funny stories until they become legend. She is also the family’s soft landing place—the one who says, “It’s okay to cry,” and means it. When a child fails, she doesn’t lecture; she listens. When a partner struggles, she doesn’t fix; she holds space.

Grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, foster mothers, and chosen moms—the women who mother without the title—perform this same alchemy. They show up to recitals without being asked. They keep a spare key and a listening ear. They knit blankets for newborns and offer wisdom wrapped in patience. In families where a biological mother is absent, these figures fill the void with fierce, tender consistency.

Yet for all they give, mothers often carry a quiet weight: the guilt of not doing enough, the exhaustion of invisible work, the loneliness of being the default parent. They downplay their own needs—skipping the doctor’s appointment, eating the cold meal, staying up late to sew a costume or edit a resume. And still, they show up again the next morning.

So this May, let’s celebrate differently. Yes, bring the flowers and the brunch. But also notice the small things: the way she folds laundry while listening to a child’s story, the gentle firmness when she sets a boundary, the laughter that breaks through a chaotic evening. Thank the mom figures who aren’t blood but chose to love anyway. Give her an afternoon of silence, a handwritten letter, or simply the words, “I see you. I see all of it.”

Because in the end, what mothers and mother figures do is nothing less than this: they make a house feel like home, and they teach us, things like how to use a spoon. By their very presence, we see what unconditional love looks like in action. And that is worth celebrating—not just in May, but every single day.

Oura Ring 4, Silver, Size 9, Smart Wearable, Sleep, Fitness & Heart Rate Tracker, 8-Day Battery (Size Before You Buy)

Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L — Oura Ring 4, Silver, Size 9, Smart Wearable, Sleep, Fitness & Heart Rate Tracker, 8-Day Battery (Size Before You Buy)

VALENTINE’S DAY

February 13, 2026January 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards.

Ancient History

Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions.

Another possible origin for Valentine’s Day takes us back to a pagan festival called Lupercalia. As a way to discourage participation in the fertility festival, the Christian church placed St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February.

Modern Celebrations

Since the Renaissance, we’ve been exchanging Valentine’s cards. These handmade missives of romance grew into a more commercial venture by the Victorian era. Today, school children exchange Valentine greetings, too. They prepare for the day by making unique boxes to receive their many hearts, cupids, and pun-filled rhymes.

Chocolates and candy have also become a part of the celebration. While couples tend to be the focus of the day, singles celebrate being single, too. Friends take each other out or reject the overall notion of Valentine’s Day. Dinner and a movie, candlelight, and flowers also fit the bill for couples. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for florists.

LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine's Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

#ValentinesDay — LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine’s Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

Valentines Day Gift Basket Set | Teddy Bear Plush (COLOR VARYS), Creme Savers Hard Candy, Individually Wrapped, Hershey Kisses Milk Chocolate, Heart Shape Elmer Chocolates Dark Chocolate or Hazelnut Pirouline Wafers, & Valentine Bag (Design Varies |#ValentinesDay — LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine’s Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

VALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY

Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival that occurred on February 15th.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ValentinesDay

You can surprise your special someone with flowers, chocolate or a card. Bring a smile to their face with an original poem or homemade meal. So put on this playlist and enjoy some special time with your special Valentine.

Get something special for your Valentine and use #ValentinesDay to post on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag hugs