Although it hasn’t received much National press…yet, National Stepfamily Day is a legitimate event which occurs each year on September 16 . It has been declared by government officials as a day to honor and recognize the contributions by both stepmothers and stepfathers who create a richer and more fulfilling life for their stepchildren.
National Stepfamily Day was founded in 1997 by Christy Borgeld. Christy contacted Michigan’s governor and asked for support in proclaiming the day as a time to honor and bring hope to other stepfamilies like her own. She never expected that her idea would come to life as fast as it did. Within the first year, 24 states proclaimed September 16 as National Stepfamily Day and within a few more years, 48 states were on-board with the idea.
On the second anniversary of National Stepfamily Day, Christy decided to promote the idea of having a family picnic, anything from small family dinners to city sponsored events with lots of activities to celebrate the occasion. Over 800 picnics were celebrated across the country. Today, thousands of picnics and events are held to mark this important day.
StepMom Magazine offers additional ideas on how to honor your family and celebrate this important day:
Feast of Favorites
When a stepfamily forms, each person brings with them their own history, memories and preferences to the table. Honor your unique tastes by serving a feast of favorites – a meal consisting of each person’s favorite dishes. Sure, this might be a pretty eclectic meal – but hopefully everyone will appreciate that sometimes different combinations not only work – but can be really fun.
The “That’s What I Like About You” Game
You know the song…Uh, huh, that’s what I like about YOU! Blast it on the stereo while you play a game the whole family can enjoy. You’ll need: different pieces of colored construction paper – one color to represent each family member; pens or markers to write with; one large fish bowl or punch bowl. Here’s how it works: Each family member gets several pieces of all the other family members’ sheets of colored paper. The object is to write down as many things that you like about each person on their colored pieces of paper. Have Mom or Dad emcee the game and read all of the comments aloud. Learn what others appreciate about you – and take the opportunity to tell others what you like about them!
Neighborhood Potluck Dinner or Picnic
Invite other stepfamilies to join yours for a potluck dinner. While the adults mingle the kids will feel a sense of camaraderie knowing they are surrounded by other kids who share their stepfamily status.
Photo Ornament Tradition
The holidays will be coming up in a few months. This year, plan to decorate your home or tree with ornaments that you’ve made yourself. Personalize them by making photo-ornaments of each family member. Go to your local craft store and find or make some fun holiday frames, dig out some recent photographs (or take some on Stepfamily Day). Visual reminders that you are a family will make the holidays feel special and familiar.
Let Them Eat Cake!
All major celebrations include cake…birthdays, weddings, anniversaries. Celebrate your stepfamily with a cake that honors its members. Make it special and find a bakery that can screen print a photo of each person on the top. Or, make a layered cake where each layer represents a member of the family. Vary the flavor of each layer to emphasize that although we are all different and unique people – together we create something wonderful.
Start an Annual Tradition – “Growing Together”
Plant a tree each year and watch them grow – together.
