Christy Borgeld, a remarried mom and stepmom, initiated National Stepfamily Day in 1997. Her goal was to create a holiday that would bring the need for stepfamily support and awareness to the nation’s forefront while, at the same time, provide today’s modern family with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their relationships.
In its first year, National Stepfamily Day was proclaimed by 24 states in America. In 1998, the number rose to 32 and by 2000, 48 states acknowledged the day.
In 2010, Borgeld requested President Barack Obama to revise the language on the 2010 Presidential Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Proclamations to honor all parents (biological, adopted foster and step). He honored her request.
Today, National Stepfamily Day is recognized by all 50 states, Canada and the United Kingdom. One of the most common ways to celebrate the day is by hosting a family or neighborhood picnic. Other ideas include sharing a special family dinner, game night or other event that brings stepfamilies together and creates an opportunity to bond and have fun.
Family isn’t always blood.
It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs;
the ones who accept you for who you are.
The ones who would do anything to see you smile
and who love you no matter what.
-Unknown
Leave a comment and tell us: Do you plan to celebrate National Stepfamily Day?
I love the idea, but it is more something my husband and I end up celebrating. Unfortunately, this is just another holiday that we cannot guarantee we have the kids on. This week is not our week so trying to get them over for a dinner or celebration would be too much stress 🙁 But my husband and I will celebrate our triumphs on this day 🙂
Kind of ironic to have just one day when stepfamilies are usually divided by some measure.
In my country, being a stepmother is still that not much talked about (which I think is more dangerous and unhealthy). Let alone having a nationally declared stepfamily day. =<
I would celebrate and make a meal to share together, but after 5 years my step daughters are still not wanting to be close with me. After so much time and effort into this process, and just never any success. It’s very sad. I would still do it and push to celebrate. Hopefully someday they will grow up and look back and remember good memories. ?