365 Squarey Monsters: The Little Rituals That Make Grandparents Day So Big

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Grandparents Day has never been considered a major occasion. There are no parades, family feasts, or mad dashes to stores. It's a quieter celebration, one that invites us to reflect and give thanks for the special relationship we share, or once shared, with our parents' parents.

In many ways, the holiday mirrors grandparents themselves: Cheering from the sidelines and shaping our lives in ways that aren't loud but always impactful. For those of us fortunate enough to know the embrace of a grandparent — or to step into that role ourselves — this day is a reminder to appreciate the bonds that shape families across generations.

I've been lucky to experience that connection from both sides: First as a grandson, learning from my own grandparents, and now as a grandfather of seven, doing my best to pass that same love and wisdom on to all of them.

Last week in Celebrations Pulse, I wrote about a few of my memories and what they mean to me. I also invited readers to share theirs, and my inbox quickly filled with touching recollections. In honor of Grandparents Day (Sept. 7), I want to share a few of those stories with you.

The power of little moments

Many community members shared stories that remind us that grandparenting isn't always about grand gestures but everyday moments. These small rituals linger across generations and paint a picture of what makes this bond so enduring.

Jane, for instance, spoke of the joy of sitting with her grandkids on a hot day, sharing popsicles, or listening to birdsong in the yard. She adds that those little rituals remind her how precious time with her grandchildren really is.

Patty recalled living with her grandmother during college and the comfort of shared meals, laughter over old Red Skelton shows, and learning to bake her grandmother's famous cinnamon rolls, which she now makes with her own granddaughter.

Karen remembered the pleasures of visiting her grandma along the Ohio River: Cracker Jacks on the porch, Hostess cupcakes that felt like gold, and birthday books inscribed in her grandmother's hand. Now a grandmother of five, she's paying it forward with new rituals of her own:

"I'm inspired to be more intentional with the activities I plan to do with them."

Tracy reflected on walking to church every Sunday, holding her grandmother's hand as they sang Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors," followed by fried chicken and stories — a memory so enduring she later named her store after the song.

And Linda shared how the sight of stargazer lilies and African violets, or the sound of Herb Alpert's trumpet, still transports her back to her grandmother's living room. Linda adds:

"My Grandma Lorraine has been gone over 35 years now but still remains a presence in our lives."

Lessons that last a lifetime

Many of you also shared the lessons your grandparents passed down. These were not just words or actions in the moment, but wisdom that shapes the people we become.

Take GayeAnn, for example. She grew up in a household with her grandparents, who taught her everything from gardening to baking to gratitude. "My hope is I can give my grandchildren the memories my grandparents gave to me," she said.

Russ recalled learning to waterski with his Bubba in Florida. After falling again and again, his grandfather just laughed and said, "One more time." Eventually, Russ popped up and glided across the water, proud and thrilled. "Bubba believed in me and wouldn't let me give up," Russ shared.

Ann reflected on her Grandma Nora, who never said "I love you" but showed it in her actions — paying for Irish dance lessons, playing accordion tunes, and raising five children after her husband left. Ann recalls:

"By her example, I learned perseverance, and I count being loved by her among my greatest blessings."

Carol's grandmother, Mama Baker, lived off the land and offered a warm meal to anyone who walked through her door. "Her selfless spirit shaped my life," Carol wrote, and inspired her to write a newspaper column honoring people in her community who give as generously as her grandmother once did.

Roberta remembered the lesson her grandfather taught her after he took a janitor job following a health setback. When she asked if he was embarrassed, he said, "Don't worry about how dirty you get making money honestly. Worry if the way you make money is dirty."

Celebrating a legacy of love

These stories — and so many others I wish I had room to include — remind me how much grandparents influence our lives. Through their wisdom, their stories, and the rituals they pass down, they leave a legacy that continues long after they're gone.

This week, I encourage you to reach out if you're fortunate enough to have grandparents in your life. Give them a call, share a memory, or simply say thank you. Use your power to let them know the difference they've made.

And for those whose grandparents are no longer here, honor them by carrying their spirit forward. Tell their stories, live their values, and let the people around you know how their love still guides you. In doing so, we keep their presence alive and ensure that their influence never ends.

All the best,
Jim

From Y2K war rooms to the launch of Alexa to the frontlines of today's AI revolution, Noelle Russell has built a career out of navigating disruption and helping others do the same.

In this week's episode of Power & Impact, Noelle shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to technology, business strategy, and leadership. She explains how systems thinking helped her steer through high-stakes crises and why prompting is emerging as the defining leadership skill of the AI era.

Most importantly, she makes a compelling case for becoming a producer of AI — someone who builds with it, experiments with it, and drives it forward — not just a passive consumer. Noelle's story is a roadmap for staying relevant and leading boldly in a time of rapid change.

What are your thoughts on AI disruption? I'd love to hear from you at podcasts@celebrations.com.

Honoring 9/11 through remembrance and service

This week marks 24 years since September 11, 2001. Like so many of you, I can still remember where I was that morning, the phone calls that came in, the disbelief, and the heartbreak. It was one of the darkest days in our nation's history. Yet, even amid the sorrow, something extraordinary happened: We came together.

In the face of tragedy, we witnessed heroism. First responders charged into danger. Neighbors opened their doors and their hearts. Strangers became companions in grief. It reminded us then — and reminds us now — of the power of community, compassion, and love.

In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, or Patriot Day, turning a day of loss into a day of action. It encourages all of us to engage in small acts of kindness, volunteerism, and unity to be helpers, as Mister Rogers once said, in a world that always needs more helping hands.

This week, I encourage you to do something meaningful in honor of those we lost and those who sacrificed so much. That could be volunteering at a local organization, making a donation, checking in on a neighbor, or simply telling someone you love how much they matter.

In the Celebrations Pulse, I often talk about the importance of rituals, traditions, and staying connected. The National Day of Service is all of that. It's a ritual of remembrance that strengthens the fabric of our communities and reminds us of what it means to care for one another.

The rise of "bleisure" travel

Not long ago, business trips were just for business. You flew in, checked into a hotel, attended your meetings, and headed back home. But that's changing. More and more people are embracing a new approach called "bleisure travel," which is a blend of business and leisure that turns a work trip into an opportunity to recharge, explore, and connect.

Examples of bleisure travel can be staying an extra day to walk through a museum, hike a local trail, or share a meal with family who came along for the ride. Maybe it's carving out time between meetings to reflect, reset, or just breathe in a new city. Whatever the form, bleisure reminds us that life doesn't have to be neatly divided into "work" and "play."

As is often the case, younger professionals are helping lead the way, and employers are catching on. When people return from travel not just with receipts and notes, but with renewed energy and inspiration, everyone benefits. It's good for morale, good for retention, and good for your well-being.

The New York Times recently shared some smart tips on how to make the most of bleisure travel. It's worth a read if you want to start implementing some leisure into your business trips.

What are your favorite fall rituals?

As the days grow shorter, our lives begin to sink into the rhythm of fall. It might be cooking a family recipe that only appears this time of year, a long-standing leaf-peeping trip, or the first pot of chili bubbling on the stove. Maybe it's tailgating with old friends, picking apples with your grandkids, or swapping out your summer linens for cozy flannel sheets.

In the weeks ahead, I'll be sharing stories from our community about the moments from America's favorite season that bring you joy, comfort, and connection. And I'd love to hear from you.

What are your favorite fall traditions or rituals? Whether big or small, annual or improvised, please share your story with me. Send a note to celebrationspulse@1800flowers.com. I'll randomly select five submissions for a special autumnal surprise from the 1-800-Flowers.com family of brands.

Sunday, September 7, 2025

The Little Rituals That Make Grandparents Day So Big

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