My sister has had the day to herself. My nephew has gone someplace special. And I get to be all glow-y and maternal for a specific, limited period of time. And the very best part of this very good thing is that as an aunt or an uncle, we re not limited by expectations of what we can or should do with the kids. Parents have to worry about maintaining discipline.
Grandparents can love unconditionally.
I mean those of us who came along after 1960 - have the opportunity to define ourselves and our relationship in a brand new way. I prefer the Auntie Mame model. I send them silk kimonos from Chinatown for Christmas. I demonstrate the art of walking barefoot on a public sidewalk without stepping in anything nasty. I argue with cabdrivers.