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Father’s Day is a special time of the year. It’s a chance to celebrate and show love and appreciation for dads everywhere.
When it comes to Father’s Day, there are so many ways to show your dad, grandpa, or any father figure in your life that you care — whether it’s through his favorite outing or activity, according to Good Housekeeping. Discover how to have a truly special Father’s Day, whether you’re spending the day together or apart.
Make Time for His Favorite Activities
What’s your father’s go-to activity for fun? Perhaps he loves laughing it off at a comedy show or dancing at a live performance. Maybe, he enjoys nothing more than a family game night, watching a movie in his own backyard, or doing arts and crafts and dipping his brush in paint. To make Father’s Day unforgettable — make sure to include his ultimate hobbies.
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Host a Poolside Hangout
With the summer heat, what better way to dive into Father’s Day than through taking a dip in the pool? Celebrate Father’s Day by hosting a fun poolside hangout. Make sure to include a fun pool float or give him some quiet time so he can get lost in that book he just can’t put down.
Celebrate With Tasty Food
Enjoy Father’s Day as a family by serving up his favorite meals. One thoughtful way to start off the day is through a delicious brunch with eggs, fruit, and a side of coffee and freshly squeezed juice.
You can also fire up the grill at any time and make a mouthwatering meal that everyone can indulge in — from burgers to grilled vegetables on skewers. End the day with an unforgettable meal — whether it’s through hosting a dinner party for him and his friends, ordering takeout, or bringing him to a steak dinner.
Plan a Family Sports Game
Whether it’s pickleball or hitting the golf course, make time to join your dad for his top sports activity for a fun Father’s Day. Show your appreciation by taking care of the little things, such as organizing gear, reserving a time slot ahead of time, and planning his transportation.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
For adventurous fathers, a day spent out in nature can be the perfect way to spend the holiday. Look out for a campsite and build a campfire to roast marshmallows around or explore a local hiking trail to spend the holiday off the beaten path. Other adventurous ideas include planning a family bike ride on his favorite trails. Make sure to top it all off with a picnic, which includes tasty treats.
Share a Message That Matters
To show your dad how much he means to you — put it into meaningful words in a Father’s Day card, Country Living suggests. There are messages for every dad or father figure to appreciate whether you want to go in a humorous or more sentimental direction.
Examples of heartfelt messages include “I'm so proud to call you my father,” or “Thank you for everything you've taught me and always being there when I need you.” Remember that taking the time to write down a thoughtful message could make a big difference in your dad’s day.
When Father’s Day is Difficult
While many people celebrate Father’s Day, it’s not an easy occasion for everyone, HuffPost explains. The holiday can be painful for those who are dealing with grief or have a turbulent relationship with their father.
“On days like Father’s Day, emotional scar tissue is reopened, as people feel the pain of what they never had or may have once had, but now it’s gone,” Tracy Thomas, a licensed psychologist, tells HuffPost.
“This is even harder when others are getting to have a more fulfilling celebration around you. The grief that people feel in this area may be more subtle the rest of the year, but when people see other people celebrating their dads, it generates more grief for those that already feel pain in this area,” she adds.
If you’re struggling, know you are not alone. For those feeling grief on this holiday, it may be helpful to read essays, blogs, or social media posts from others who also find Father’s Day challenging.
It can also be normal for a range of emotions to arise, including sadness or anger. If you need to talk to someone, reaching out to loved ones to share memories or express how you’re feeling can make a difference. Finally, seeking out support from a therapist can be a great option.
Remember, whether your father is around or not — there isn’t one right way to celebrate this holiday and you’re never alone.
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