Grandparents come in many shapes and sizes, most with larger-than-life hearts. They pass on wisdom, family recipes, and family stories to the next generations.

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How Did Grandparents Day Become a Holiday?

In the United States, Grandparents Day became an official holiday, in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation stating that the holiday would be observed on the first Sunday following Labor Day.

But it was suggested before that. Nine-year-old Russell Capper sent a letter to President Nixon in 1969 suggesting there be a day set aside to celebrate grandparents. In the years following, the Senate and Congress introduced a resolution to make Russell’s dream a reality.

Grandparents Day was first celebrated in 1979 and has become part of many family gatherings since. This year, Grandparents Day is on September 10th. How will you celebrate? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cook a meal together.

One of the best memories I have of my Grandma was her teaching me how to make hushpuppies from scratch.

Work a puzzle together.

My Grandmother and I used to work on puzzles and play word games together. Boggle was one of her favorites, but she disliked using the word "puke" whenever it came up.

Send a thoughtful card.

While it might be too late to mail a card to your grandparents, you can always make a card and hand deliver it to them if they live close by.

Ask them to tell you a story about their favorite childhood memory.

My grandpa used to tell me that he was, in fact, the Man in the Moon. I believed him for a long time.

Ask them for advice.

Grandparents have lived through much different times than we are now. They are a wealth of knowledge, you just need to ask.

Ask them about their first pet.

While it wasn't her pets, my grandma had friends growing up who had 2 cats. The cats were named Get Off the Rug, and You Too.

Ask them about their first love.

My paternal great-grandparents were married when they were 15 and 13. They were each other's first and only love.

Ask them about their first job.

My grandma, who taught me how to make hushpuppies, worked in a cafe when she was in the 5th grade.

However you may celebrate the grandparents in your life, remember that they are an invaluable source of guidance, support, and love for us all. They typically love us unconditionally, through good, or bad, and in spite of ourselves.

Have a Grand Time: How to Celebrate Grandparent's Day this Weekend in Montrose.

Different Names Coloradans Use for Their Grandparents

What do the people of Colorado call their grandparents? While Grandpa and Grandma came in near the top, I really liked some of the other results too.