Father’s Day
Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June every year. Where would we be without dads? Honestly, who would show off ‘dad jeans,’ tell the same somewhat amusing jokes at Thanksgiving, or spin those charming childhood stories? But of course, there’s far more to dads than their wardrobe choices and endless nostalgia for the ‘good old days’ (Elton John, David Bowie, and Queen — we get it). Still, dads are heroes. On June 18 be sure to let your dad know how much he means to you. If you want to treat your father to a little something special then check out our gift guide.
5 INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR FATHER’S DAY
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” – Unknown
“Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a Dad.” – Anne Geddes
“My Father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland
“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” – Pam Brown
“A Father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” – Unknown
HISTORY OF FATHER’S DAY
Far from a “Hallmark holiday,” Father’s Day has its origins in medieval Europe when Catholics dedicated a day to honoring fathers, fatherhood, and all paternal relationships. Fast forward a couple of hundred years, and it’s now a holiday held all over the world — a testament to how important fathers and father figures are in societies everywhere. However, be careful. The date fluctuates around the world. In Spain, for example, it’s held on March 19, while in New Zealand, it’s the first Sunday in September. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling, or have family living overseas. There are few things more upsetting than a disappointed dad.
Father’s Day in America has a rich history dating back to the turn of the 20th century. But to really understand Father’s Day we must go back to the post-civil War reconstruction era of the 1860s and a day that celebrates the other half of the parenting duo, mothers.
The idea of celebrating parents has its roots in one woman: Ann Reeves Jarvis. Shortly after the Civil War, Jarvis sought to soothe the wounds created over four years of bitter conflict in one divided West Virginia town by choosing a day to celebrate the mothers of both Confederate and Union soldiers. Known as “Mother’s Work Days” Jarvis hoped that during the newly installed era of peace and reconciliation, previous enemies could begin to sow unity again by celebrating one thing they all had in common.
FATHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Make him feel appreciated
One of the best ways to celebrate is to let him know how much you appreciate him. In the days or weeks leading up to Father’s Day, make note of all he does for the household on a daily basis. Then, on Father’s Day, tell him how much you appreciate these small things, and that it doesn’t go unnoticed. Even better, take on these chores or activities for the day, and let him rest and bask in the glow of familial appreciation.
2.Have a family day
It may be Father’s Day, but often you’ll find what fathers want most in the end is time with the whole family. Talk to Dad and see how he feels about a family outing, and choose something everyone, at any age, can take part in. This will give him plenty of memories and stories to bring up at later family gatherings, and what could he want more than that?
3.Find a gift with meaning
Sure, a new weed trimmer would make him happy, but there’s always room for creativity when giving gifts. A gift with meaning, rather than functionality, maybe a welcome change this year. Nostalgic items and homemade projects are always a good idea, but whatever it is, be sure it shows how much you appreciate having Dad around, and everything he’s taught you.
WHY WE LOVE FATHER’S DAY
A. For better or worse, they make us laugh
Even the most embarrassing dad moments will always make for laugh-out-loud stories later on. And someday you’ll cherish all those times you rolled your eyes at the jokes he tried to tell the waiter at lunch. Dads make us laugh, even if we don’t see it at the time, and that will always be one of their greatest contributions.
B. They’re great teachers
Changing tires and fixing lawnmowers are just some of Dad’s greatest teachings. Dads have been passing along their wisdom for generations, and we can never overlook that. From learning how to work a sickle at the dawn of civilization to showing us how to clean the food gunk out of the kitchen sink, dads have been there through it all to show us the way.
C. They’re forever patient
Dads put up with a lot. From playing prince (or princess) with their kids to taking care of whatever pet the rest of the family brings home, we can count on Dad to come to love it eventually, even if he puts up a small fuss initially. And we can’t thank them enough for this.
References:
“Father’s Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/fathers-day/