Good morning, I might be a day late and a dollar shot but there was no, way I wasn’t going to share a new Holiday I found celebrating #Families. Even though I’m late let’s celebrate September 23rd Family Day #FamilyDay because family is the most important thing any of us have isn’t it?
National Family Day, celebrated on September 23, puts the spotlight on the people that make our lives meaningful. We all know families come in many forms and sizes and under different circumstances, but what they all share is unconditional love and support for those growing on the same family tree.
From nuclear family units to extended clans, families can drive us crazy and make life worth living. Take some time today to appreciate the special folks in your life and if you have the opportunity take the time to give them a call, take your family out to lunch, or send your family a note to let them know you’re thinking of them!
The family unit is an indispensable part of human society. At its core, the family is composed of biological relatives including parents, siblings, grandparents, and cousins, as well as spouses, children, and in-laws. The social relationships, expectations, and dynamics between these relatives vary by time and place. Today, Americans are getting married later than ever, around the age of 28. Did you know that?
The nuclear family unit which is parents and children typically makes up most Western households. In other cultures, extended families share households, and adult children are expected to care for their elderly parents and relatives.
Throughout history, the definition of family has evolved to include nontraditional families, extended clans, and even tightly-knit friend groups. For those without close ties to their blood relatives, “chosen family” provides much-needed love and support. The LORD has blessed David, Charlie and I with our biological family and friends who have become family. Do you have the same?
Did you know the scientific study of the family unit began in the late 19th Century and crystallized as a subfield of Sociology in the 1960s. Since then, social scientists have paid special attention to the family’s role in shaping individual behavior and how place and culture affect family structures. Industrialization, globalization, and the development of cheap and fast international transportation have led to rapid changes in relations between families.
According to psychologists, family ties are critical for healthy development. Research shows that the quality of familial relationships has significant effects on well-being. Strong family ties support us under stress, help us process trauma, and boost our self-esteem.
Because family is such an important structure for people around the world, it certainly makes sense to devote a day to appreciating and engaging with the important people in our lives. Join us today and lets celebrate the families we have from biological families to friends to our pets.
Traditions of the Day
Did you know the word ‘family’ is not limited to a nuclear one; anyone with whom a meaningful bond develops becomes family. Friends, pets, a neighbor, all fall under the term family. Come and share a comment with us below and let us know who you think of as family and why.
Family game nights, arguing over petty things, inside jokes, heading out to favorite restaurants and parks, watching home videos or movies, and more, are the traditions for National Family Day. Whatever it is that only you and your family share as a tradition. The important thing is to really cherish each other.
Many fictional characters have served as a family to us as well. Characters including Harry Potter, who many of us have grown up with, or Ted Mosby searching for the love of his life in “How I Met Your Mother” have helped us through tough times and are almost like family. The estranged or those without family find solace in these characters and cherish them.
National Family Day Activities
- Whether it’s a day at the beach, a picnic, or a movie, an outing with your family is a surefire way to enjoy quality time together today to celebrate National Family Day.
- Pick an accessible activity everyone can enjoy and share a day of reconnecting with your family and friends and make sure you don’t leave out your pets.
- There is no need to worry if you and your family are not in the same state or Country. Modern technology makes it easy to connect! Call each other or use a video chatting app to check in with distant relatives.
- Games are a super fun way to bond with family. Whether your family is into board games, puzzles, card games, or sports, a little healthy competition will energize your family time. Plus, the winner has bragging rights until the next game day.
Fascinating Facts About Family
- Did you know network executives hesitated to cast Lucille Ball’s real-life husband Desi Arnaz but, at Ball’s insistence, Lucy and Ricky became the first interracial couple on television and spawned an American classic.
- Believe it or not, the first PC on television appeared on The Addams Family in the 1960s.
- Inspired by The Honeymooners’ cheeky family dynamics, The Flintstones debuted in 1960 as the first animated show on prime time.
- Lurch the butler was written as mute in the original The Addams Family sitcom, but Ted Cassidy’s ad-libbed “You rang?” became an iconic line.
- Did you know the characters on The Simpsons are inspired by and named after Matt Groening’s own family members.
Why People Love National Family Day
- Family is always there for us. and too often, we take our family for granted on National Family Day it reminds us to check in and express gratitude to our relatives who we may not always reach out to.
- Not all families are related by blood and National Family Day reminds us to be thankful to the friends who choose to be in our lives.
- Good family relationships do wonders for our mental and physical health and maintaining and nurturing close relationships can contribute to a happier, healthier, longer life.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
