Grandparents play a critical role in the lives of their grandchildren, yet it is so easy to overlook their contribution to our lives once settled in a senior home. Let’s appreciate the wisdom and joy our grandparents bring us with National Grandparents Day!

Back in 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day. Each year, the sitting President keeps this tradition going. The day has both an official flower (Forget-Me-Not) and a song (Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.)

There are many ways to honor your grandparents at this year’s National Grandparents Day.

• Simply spend some time with them.

Grandparents don’t want much, and spending time with you is often enough for them. Go to visit them, and spend some time talking and simply being with them to show them how much you care. Take them to a movie, and run some errands with them if they prefer to go about their daily routine.

• Get them a gift, or better yet, make one from scratch.

If you have kids, ask them to make their grandparent a card from scratch, or consider a different DIY project for the little ones. They can also write them a letter, or make them some cookies that they love. This day is all about showing grandparents how important they are, so a small token from you or the kids will be a great gesture.

• Take them somewhere fun!

Maybe your grandparents want to have an active day! Take them somewhere they’ll enjoy themselves. Are they a huge sports fan? Look for local sporting events you can attend. Consider the activities they enjoy, and plan accordingly.

• Learn from them

Is your grandmother a great cook? Does your grandfather have the best luck at fishing? Take this time to learn from them. Get the family together and immerse yourself in an activity your grandparent loves and would like to teach you more about. You can also create a family tree with them, which will teach you more about where you come from!

• Bring the family together

Is your entire family scattered around the country? Bring them together this National Grandparents Day for a fun day with the older generation! Organize a family barbecue, dinner, or just all get-together and go over to meet your grandparent. They’ll love meeting everyone, catching up on their lives, and having loved ones gather around them.

All grandparents want is to spend some time with their loved ones! So take the time out this National Grandparents Day, and show them how important they are in your life, and how grateful you feel to have them there.