On the third Sunday in June the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom celebrate Father’s Day to acknowledge and appreciate the fathers, step fathers, and other male role models for their contributions to our lives. On June 21st, 2020, be sure to let the fatherly figures in your life know just how important they are to you!
The very first celebration of Father’s Day in the United States occurred 112 years ago in 1908. When a mining accident killed hundreds of men and left over a thousand children without fathers, a West Virginia woman named Grace Golden Clayton organized a service honoring the fathers at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. The remembrance gained popularity in Washington state when Sonora Smart Dodd popularized her own father’s birthday on June 5th as “Fathers’ Day” and presented it to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA. Although Congress first attempted to establish Father’s Day as a national holiday in 1913, it did not catch on until Richard Nixon officially established it on the third Sunday of June in 1972.
Not every man is a father, but every man who cares for a child, loves and guides them, protects and teaches them is the best kind of father one could ever ask for. Father's Day is for biological fathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, grandfathers, and other men who set a good example and have a heart of gold. If there’s a man who stepped up in a big way for you or your kids, let them know. Try one of these fun ideas to share your gratitude this year.
1. Get outside and celebrate the first day of Summer: Not only is June 21st, 2020 Father’s Day, it is in the same weekend as the Summer Solstice! Soak up the sunshine by inviting them to share with you their favorite outdoor activity. This holiday is a great reason to suggest hiking, fishing, kayaking, lounging on the beach, or offer to be his sous chef in the kitchen or on the barbeque.
2. Make him his favorite meal: What better way to show your appreciation for the paternal figure in your life than by cooking him something special! If you have the culinary skills, try cooking his favorite meal, make him breakfast in bed, or bake him a special dessert. Or surprise him with a healthy version of his favorite comfort food. Food has an incredible way of bringing people together; and nothing says love better that preparing a dish for someone with their health and tastes in mind.
3. Utilize those crafting skills and make a personalized card: According to Hallmark, Father’s Day is the fourth-largest holiday for giving cards as families recognize over 70 million fathers in the United States. Although store-bought cards are a quick and easy grab, no one else is better than you to make a hand-made card with a special sentiment, silly picture, or a funny joke you cannot get anywhere else.
4. Go digital.Make a video on your phone and get the whole family in on the action. Create and send him a personalized item using Shutterfly or Things Remembered online. Use Zoom or FaceTime to video chat on Father’s Day to tell him how much he means to you.
5. Buy local. Send him a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant or store (and support a small business!). Many shops will take phone orders and email you a gift certificate quickly. Commission an artist, painter, musician, poet, baker, or jewelry artisan to create a really special one-of-a-kind item just for him.