Father’s Day is This Weekend, Get Your Game On!
Father’s Day is a holiday of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. Contrary to popular opinion, Father’s Day has a bit of history. In catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on the 19th day of March as St. Joseph’s Day since the Middle Ages in the early 16th century.
Here in the United States, Father’s Day was founded in 1909 by Sonora Smart Dodd. She and her five brothers were raised by their father, and after attending a church service honoring mothers, she petitioned the Spokane Ministerial Association to celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June.
The day is held on various dates across the world and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood. The holiday actually complements similar celebrations honoring family members such as Mother’s Day, Sibling’s Day and Grandparent’s Day.
If you’re at all interested in learning more about this special day. Go to Wikipedia and look up Father’s Day. Virtually every country in the world has some special recognition for the day.
So with all that as a backdrop, what do you Boomers do with it. Well, depending on your particular situation, you can be a father, you might have a father, you might even have a grandfather, you could be a grandfather or you could have a son that’s a father, or your husband is a father. Wow, that’s a load. Did I cover them all? Nonetheless, if your circumstance is any of the above, get ready to celebrate, and it doesn’t need to break the bank.
The day does happen to sneak up on us, primarily due to the fact that we’re just getting into summer and our thoughts turn to vacations and getaways. Well, no matter what you do for the day, there is always something you can do to make it more special.
Goodness, remember all the ties we’ve purchased over the years. Talk about forgettable gifts. Too funny. Not too many of our men are wearing ties these days.
We know it’s the thought that counts, so think outside the box. You’ve only got a couple more days to make it special and memorable.
- How about a barbeque and old fashioned cookout, back yard or camping.
- Dinner out at their favorite restaurant.
- A round of golf.
- A weekend trip to one of their favorite destinations.
- A well-prepared picnic—this can anywhere.
- A fishing trip, or any other sporting event they enjoy.
- Remember, it’s all about them.
Or here’s a thought, what about spending quality time with your grandfather, father, husband, son or whomever and just plain talking. What a novel idea.
I lost my father this January to COVID, and I would do anything to wrap my arms around him and just sit and talk, and listen to his laugh. Perhaps you should try something so simple.
In any case, don’t let the distractions take you away from being part of their life. It’s one day out of the year for a couple of hours so make it memorable. Photographs, videos, and the best medicine of all, laughter and maybe a few tears.
To all my Baby Boomers, love your Father’s Day.
Editorial contribution by Wikipedia.
Happy Father’s Day Daddo—you were a good honest man and loved me unconditionally. Thank you.
