“The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” —Tim Russert
Father’s Day is a modern holiday meant to honor and celebrate fatherhood, paternal bond, and the influence of fathers in society.
Father’s Day
Ancient Romans had a tradition of honoring fathers every February, but only deceased fathers. So today, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, with this year’s 2022 celebrations falling on the 19th of June.
Over 50 nations worldwide celebrate Father’s day in the same manner but on different dates. The first Father’s Day was observed in the US, and other countries have adopted it since then. The holiday compliments related celebrations that honor family members, such as Mother’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and Siblings Day.
Fun Facts: Did you know?
- The first Father’s Day was celebrated on the 19th of June, 1910, in Washington State.
- The holiday was officiated and made a national holiday in 1972 by President Richard Nixon.
- There are over 70 million fathers in the US today.
- The Father’s Day concept began with Sonora Smart Dodd from Washington. She celebrated her father raising her and her six siblings single-handedly after her mother died during childbirth.
- Rose flowers are significant on Father’s Day: Red roses are used to celebrate living fathers, while white roses are for celebrating deceased fathers.
- Greeting cards are the leading gift item on Father’s Day, with the most popular card being “Dad from Daughter.”
Dads Don’t Want Your Expensive Gift on Father’s Day. Here is why:
Recent studies show that material gifts do not entice fathers. So rather than buying the “best dad” mug, an expensive necklace, or any other expensive gift, consider doing things that tighten your relationship bond. Here are a few reasons why your Dad would want to skip gifts on this year’s father’s day:
1. Dads are naturally concerned about our financial well-being:
Most dads don’t want a 20-dollar greeting card or an invite to an elegant restaurant in town on their Father’s Day. Instead, they would rather have a simple coffee date in a local restaurant and grin on seeing a not-so-perfect handmade Father’s Day card. They value time shared together more than any material possessions.
2. Some Dads may not be so good with surprises:
Fathers and all men, in general, don’t typically like surprises. Instead, they prefer planning everything to ensure all goes well with the day. So plan the day with Dad and exchange ideas because, like most dads, they love seeing their families happy!
3. He prefers spending time with family:
Research states that two in every five fathers feel spending quality time with their children is worth more than a wrapped gift, new fashion accessories, or sporting event ticket.
4. He doesn’t find expensive gadgets useful:
Many children love buying expensive, trendy items for Father’s Day. Unfortunately, these gadgets end up at the back of some drawer or shelf. Fathers prefer tools they can use on daily tasks over fashionable accessories.
5. He prefers verbal acknowledgment:
Your Dad does not want you to feel indebted to them for everything he did for you growing up. However, they enjoy hearing how their effort has impacted your life. He will appreciate your thoughts and acknowledgment more than any material gift.
6. A phone call is enough:
Your Dad may not understand why you need to get things complicated when you can only make a phone call and tell them how much you care. A meaningful phone call is better than an expensive gift.
7. He is practical:
Have you ever asked your father what they would prefer for Father’s Day? Probably he will tell you a pair of latex gloves or gumboots for gardening. Dads like spending money on valuable things over luxurious gifts.
8. He sees you as a child:
Your father will always watch you through the lenses of a loving parent. That is why some fathers give their children presents on Father’s Day. He doesn’t want you to stress too much about getting them a gift because they care a lot about you.
9. He prefers appreciation in the truest sense:
Your father would want you to open up to him and tell him exactly what you feel about them, rather than expressing your feelings through gifts. So take your guard down on Father’s Day and be emotionally honest!
10. He doesn’t believe in special days:
Your Dad probably thinks that people should appreciate each other every day and that Father’s Day is unnecessary. However, he would enjoy it if you showed him gratitude all year round and practically like visiting him, calling him regularly, and helping out around the house.
Don’t be offended if your father’s response is lukewarm after giving him a gift. He is happy and proud of being your father and appreciates all the little things you do—cheers to all dads and father figures worldwide.
The Best and Most Priceless Gifts for the Father’s Day Celebration:
Fathers are priceless; therefore, the gift we give them should be priceless. Based on research, fathers would appreciate a phone call more than a “Best Dad Ever” mug. On the other hand, science demonstrates that humans are happiest when they feel loved and valued. This makes sense since we are social beings who thrive in connection.
1. A Phone Call:
Just in a professional world, sometimes a phone call is more meaningful than a text. –Kevin Harvick
Before posting a father’s day message on your social media platforms, consider having a one-on-one conversation on the phone. Your Dad is your most awesome fun and the only person who will listen to you without judgment. So make a point to begin this Father’s Day celebration by calling your father, and you can bet both of you will have a great day!
76% of fathers in America appreciate experience over physical gifts, while 47% find a phone conversation the best experience. You don’t need to stress about what to discuss on the phone. Begin the call conversation with a “Happy Father’s Day” message before asking them about their day, health, latest project, favorite season movie, thoughts on current affairs, etc. Not only will they enjoy the conversation, but you will also learn something new from it.
2. Surprise him with a Big Juicy Steak:
“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.”
– Alan D. Wolfelt
A gift of a juicy steak is undoubtedly a gift of experience, which most dads prefer over physical gifts. It is also a gift that will give them a moment to bond with their children. 79% of fathers say that they love bonding with their children over a meal making this idea an excellent one!
If you want to improve the experience, let your Dad do the grilling this Father’s Day. Plan a cookout with the entire family and let your Dad do the steak grilling. About 40% of men acknowledge that they should be responsible for steak grilling. Another 60% of men believe that they are the best cooks in the house.
3. Play his Favorite Song:
“If I could get another chance, another walk, and another dance with him, I’d play a song that would never ever end: How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again…”
Luther Vandross.
Luther Vandross wrote a tribute song, “dance with my father,” to his father after he passed on due to diabetes complications. Though the musician lost his father at the age of 7 years, he still held poignant memory of his Dad dancing with his kids in the house. Music was an integral part of many homes when we were growing up. People listened to music more than they watched TV.
What type of music did your father listen to? Was your father a serious James Brown or Herbie Hancock person? Did he love cranking Old Time Rock $Roll, Country, or Roots Reggae music when driving? Surprise your Dad with a playlist of their favorite tracks this Father’s Day and watch them enjoy the experience. You can improve the experience by adding custom cover art, the name of the artist, and a simple description.
4. Give him a moment for self-care:
Do you know that 38% of fathers view peace and quiet as the best father’s day gift? NO doubt fathers want to spend time with their children and grandchildren on Father’s Day. However, they also appreciate having some time alone to enjoy peace and quiet and possibly enjoy beauty sleep.
Free time can be pretty therapeutic to fathers since they get an opportunity to get in touch with their inner feelings and thoughts that they don’t access daily. In addition, giving your father some time alone gives them a sense of freedom and respect. Let them decide how they want to spend the alone time. For example, they may choose to take a bike ride, remain in the house, or connect with a friend they have not seen for a long time.
5. Flood him with Family Love:
There are numerous ways to shower your father with family love, such as breakfast in bed, watching a favorite game, or watching their favorite movie. Then, talk, take a memory lane together, share anecdotes, and listen to the stories of his younger years.
Family time will be much better if all your cell phones, among other communication gadgets, are switched off. Then, if your father is elderly and has grandchildren, bring them home and let them shower him with love. Let them play, eat, laugh, and talk with him. This is priceless!
6. Get Sporty:
Is your Dad a sports person? Does he put on his jersey every game day? If so, give him a blast on this year’s Father’s Day by attending a baseball game or their favorite game with the entire family. Get some tickets in advance and let him spend part of the day cheering his favorite team. Of course, you can also spend the day playing their favorite sport in the backyard or the park.
7. Give him a Restful Day:
A little thought can go a long way. Give your Dad a day of no responsibilities and let him feel like a king. If there are yard jobs that he does, surprise him by doing them all. While it may seem like a little gesture, all acts of service express love the most. Let him watch as things are done on his behalf. He will feel cared for and appreciated.
8. Praise Him and Show Gratitude:
All men love praises, and dads are not exceptions. Let your Dad know that you recognize and appreciate their love and hard work towards the family’s success. You can write a thank-you letter highlighting all his contributions to your life and all the reasons why you love him as a parent and significant supporter of your life. If writing is not your strength, consider shooting a short video for him. He will enjoy watching the video as many times as he wants.
9. Prepare him a Good Meal:
“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
– Old Saying.
On this Father’s Day, prepare your father his favorite meal and beverage. Then, serve it with love and a smile, which will greatly warm his heart.
10. Plant Something Together:
Does your Dad love gardening? If so, spend some time on Father’s Day tending to his masterpiece. Your Dad will enjoy the time you spend picking plants from the nursery and planting them in different locations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Father’s Day celebrated as a “real” occasion in America?
55% of Americans believe Father’s Day is celebrated more because it is a “real” special occasion. Father’s Day is not as commercialized as Mother’s Day, making it unique. While the holiday is appreciated and accepted as an actual holiday, Americans don’t spend much money on it as they do on Mother’s Day.
Does Father’s Day fall on the same date every year?
No. The dates of father’s day change every year. However, you can permanently mark the date since the celebrations fall on the 3rd Sunday of June.
Why Is Father’s Day in June?
The original Father’s Day date was the 19th of June, 1910, the birthday of Sonora Smart Dodd’s Dad, an American civil war veteran. However, the date was later changed to the 3rd Sunday in June.`
Parting Shot on Father’s Day:
Fathers are unique and vital,
They are home priests,
Daughter’s first love,
Son’s role models,
A true blessing!
Happy FATHER’S DAY to all fathers and father figures across the world!
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