Good old quality time on Lolo and Lola’s special day
IF you are one of the lucky few with grandparents who are still around, September is your chance to show off how much you treasure the bearers of the yummiest treats, corniest jokes and gentlest love — your Lolo and Lola.
“TODAY, REMEMBER THAT NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL MEDIA CAN POSSIBLY MATCH GOOD OLD QUALITY TIME, THOSE TIMES WHEN YOU ARE JUST LIVING AND LOVING THE MOMENT.”
While any given day is an opportunity to show how much you honor your grandparents’ love and sacrifices, the second Sunday of September in the country has been marked as a day to go all out with the appreciation.
Although they are the family’s pearls of wisdom, you would be surprised to know that the activities your gramps and grams truly want on their special day will not empty the pocket.
JOIN THEM FOR A JOG
As your grandparents age, it’s natural for their body functions to slightly decline over time. But there are numerous things you can do to delay the negative impacts of aging and let them live the best time of their life.
Encourage and join them for a brief jog every morning as a simple yet meaningful gift. You may also invite them to try fun Zumba and other elder adult-friendly dance classes to keep them happy and active.
As you gasp for air, catch up on their everyday life, too! Ask them about their plans and if they need any help or company. The light and fresh morning air may set the mood for some wisdom and guidance.
DRIVE DOWN MEMORY LANE
The present generation would find any reason to hit the road. So why not hit two birds with one stone?
Taking your grandparents to their previous schools, province, childhood neighborhood and favorite hangout places could tickle the fun memories of the past and could even help give their memory a little bit of exercise.
As they roll down the window, the line “Back in the day” will unfurl with genuine laughter. These smiles should lighten the atmosphere for the entire day.
As you drive down memory lane, you might discover your similarities and connections with your grandparents. You might also finally understand the life lessons they have been sharing all along and trace where it all came from.
TREAT THEM IN THE LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET
Before heading back home, drop by the local farmers market. It’s quite certain that they will resist the treat. Most likely, they will tell you to keep the money and spend it on yourself.
This Grandparents Day, tell them to lift the weight off their shoulders because you have been saving for the day you can finally give back. Now, it’s your turn to spoil them, let them pick anything they love just like what they did when you were little.
For a worthwhile date with grandmom and grandad, head to Quezon City Memorial Circle and Farmer’s Market in Quezon City. These spots are both havens of random goodies, rare cactus and succulents, lovely orchids and any plant you are searching for.
Since these places are spacious, you may give an extra cone ice cream as another treat while stroll and take the time to savor the rare moment.
COOK DELICIOUS MEALS IN THE KITCHEN
Since it’s a celebration, food is also the highlight of the occasion.
Grandparents Day is an ideal day to throw love like confetti in the kitchen. Sway and spin the hits of the ‘50s and ‘70s as you bond with your Lolo and Lola while preparing the family’s best heartwarming recipes.
On the sides, introduce new and exciting dishes to them such as overnight oats, refreshing smoothies and explosive thin-cut fries. They, on the other hand, can share their secret cooking techniques and recipes for kare-kare, sisig, adobo and ube halaya, letting parts of the culture and tradition live on.
INTRODUCE THEM TO NEW THINGS
After filling up the heart and tummy, feed their minds with anything they are not familiar with. Who knows, they might also share with you DIYs only wise men know.
Perhaps you can finally bridge gaps and teach them how to use web and mobile applications that feature video calls, which they can use to easily reach their loved ones.
You can also teach them to dip their interests into web, streaming and video-sharing applications such as YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram, which can introduce them to new ideas.
SIT BACK AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE
Today, remember that no amount of social media can possibly match good old quality time, those times when you are just living and loving the moment.
Your Lolo and Lola have lots of stories to tell and they have been eager to share it with you. In a coffee shop or in the comfort of your backyard or porch, give them a hot cup of tea or coffee, lend an ear and let the moment steer the flow of the priceless conversation.
Let’s admit it, nobody listens, understands, snuggles, spoils and treats us the yummiest treats the way our grandparents do. On their very special day and all the days to come, make them know that they will always hold a special place in your heart.