Celebrating Father’s Day

Father’s Day is one of the highlights for the month of June. In the US, it is celebrated every third Sunday of June. A day to honor and pay tribute to fathers, father figures, and paternal bond, it is a day to commend fatherhood.

There are more than 70 million fathers in the US and more and more people have stretched the definition of a “father” with some even honoring single mothers, uncles, and even older relatives – in respect to the idea of father figures or to those who perform the roles of a father.

History of Father’s Day

Father’s Day was born to give a corresponding celebration to Mother’s Day that is celebrated the previous month. Several figures pushed to have this holiday following in the footsteps of Anna Jarvis, who was responsible for officially giving mothers their own holiday – Mother’s Day.

The first event that paved the way for Father’s Day was during a memorial service given to victims of the mining accident in Monongah, Washington in 1907. Out of the 361 of the dead miners, 250 of them were fathers. This prompted Grace Golden Clayton to rally for Father’s Day. Still, the event was isolated and was not spread even statewide.

Then in 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd also inspired by Anna Jarvis, pressed for a separate holiday to honor fathers. Her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, raised his 6 children on his own after his wife died. Single fatherhood during that era was very rare as most fathers were expected to give up their children to be raised by relatives.

Sonora wanted to have the event on June 5th, in time for his father’s birthday but due to some circumstances, the sermons were delivered in honor of William Jackson Smart on June 19,1910 – a third Sunday of June.

It took decades for Father’s Day to become an official holiday. Some are against the idea due to commercializing a celebration while others think that fathers simply do not have the same sentiments and appeal compared to mothers.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day and it was only in 1977 that President Richard Nixon officially made it as a holiday.

At present, many countries celebrate Father’s Day the same day as that of the US. Part of it is the American influence among many cultures. Other countries like Arab states set aside June 21 as Father’s Day while Austria and Belgium celebrate every 2nd Sunday of June.

Observing Father’s Day

There are many ways to celebrate father’s day. The most important is greeting your father as well as extending the greeting to all fathers we know of – brothers, in-laws, friends, and colleagues. Many would dine out for lunch or dinner as a family or a more intimate child-father during this day. Some would choose to go on a holiday. Likewise, true to the season of summer, barbeque parties are more casual yet way more fun for everybody.

Still, just like other occasions, gift giving is considered a must. Now, we are all aware how challenging men can be when it comes to giving them gifts. Weeks prior to the third Sunday of June, many would search for gifts for their Dads. Likewise, stores and shops will give gift ideas to make it easier for shoppers to decide what to give to fathers.

Many feel that choosing a gift for their father is tricky since majority of them are not vocal to what they really like. Let go of giving ties and socks to Dads and instead, check their lifestyles. Like most men, dad wants something they can use right away.

Books are great for Dads who love to read and who love to continuously learn. Match your gifts for dads who love music, sports, and outdoors. Remember that Dads would appreciate something that they can instantly make use of in their everyday lives.

One of the best gifts for Dads are travel bottles. If you want to give something different yet Dads will love, these are great. Most Dads are business travelers themselves; these travel bottles will come in handy not just in air travel but as well as in long land trips. Not only that, these travel bottles are not just for travel but perfect for Dads who are into fitness and the outdoors.

Many think that fathers seem to be under appreciated. Father’s Day is the time to give Dads a special time, to give respect to the guidance and love they did for their families. Likewise, looking for gifts is not that hard anymore. Whatever you decide to give from electronic gadgets to travel bottles, Dads will appreciate it.

So plan your Father’s Day celebration now for a great day. Look for the best restaurant, plan your menu if you wish to host a gathering in your own home, and start shopping for the best gift this Father’s Day!