How to Show Your Dad Appreciation
Shandra Martinez
| 3 min read
Each June, just as we are getting into the full swing of summer, we take a pause to honor the dads, grandfathers and other caring men in our lives. Father’s Day is a nationally recognized holiday, but more than that it’s a time to show gratitude to men who have made this world a better place for us, our families and our communities. Here are some ways you can show your dad some well-deserved appreciation.
History of Father’s Day
When Father’s Day first began to be celebrated in 1910, it followed on the heels of Mother’s Day, which already was being observed. It was a day of recognition that had its start among religious communities after a woman in Washington state wanted to set aside a special day to honor fathers. It was a nod to the legacy of her own dad, a Civil War veteran who had raised six children after his wife died, according to information gathered by the encyclopedia Britannica It became a national holiday in 1972 and, thanks to card and gift companies, has been going strong ever since.
Father’s Day Facts
There are a lot of dads out there to celebrate. According to U.S. Census data, there are 72 million fathers across the country. Of those, 29 million are grandfathers, too. Here are some other facts about fathers from the Census:
- Nearly 100 million Father’s Day cards are sent each year.
- Most popular gift on the big day? A necktie.
- There are 2 million single fathers raising small children and teens on their own.
How to show appreciation on Father’s Day
Just like on other holidays, Father’s Day is a time of gifts and gatherings and celebrations. But because this holiday revolves around dads, it means more attention can be paid to a family’s father – or all the stepdads, uncles, husbands and brothers in a family who also act as fathers. Presents, cards, phone calls and text messages are all ways to show you care and that you’re thinking of someone on Father’s Day. But to really personalize it, you can also show your appreciation in ways that have meaning to the person you are celebrating. This can mean giving of your time and of yourself.
Here are some ideas for spending an afternoon doing one of his favorite things:
- If you have a father who loves baseball, try to score tickets to a game with his favorite team, or sit with him and watch it on TV with some special snacks.
- If your dad prefers working around the yard or house, offer to help him with a project.
- Music-loving dads will appreciate going to a summer concert, even if it’s a small local one where you bring your lawn chairs.
- If your father appreciates art or history, plan a trip to a museum, sculpture park or art exhibit.
- Have an active dad? Meet up for a bike ride or hike a favorite trail.
- Going out to eat is always a popular Father’s Day activity, but you can personalize it even more by offering to cook his favorite foods at a family gathering.
- If your dad loves to grill – and thinks he’s the best at it - set up a multi-grill station so he can teach other family members his special skills. Make sure to get pictures of this. They’ll make great holiday presents later.
- Plan an outdoor picnic. Father’s Day usually has nice weather, which pairs with al fresco dining on the patio or a picnic at the beach or a local park.
Any way you choose to spend time on Father’s Day will be a great opportunity for conversations, reminiscing and making great memories.
Related:
Photo credit: Getty Images
