By Lauren Galley
Father’s Day has been celebrated for over 100 years. Nearly everyone has someone in their life that they look up to as a father figure, whether it be your biological father, your step-father, or a family friend. These men deserve to be recognized for everything they do for us. I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for my father, and I can honestly say that I don’t express how much he means to me as often as I should. I believe this statement is true for most teenagers, so it is time to step up to the plate and make sure Dad realizes just how amazing and appreciated he is!
I don’t know about you, but I think dads are the hardest people to shop for. But Father’s Day isn’t about how much money you spend; it’s about making memories with family and loved ones. So, stop wandering around the mall, desperately searching for the perfect gift, and sit down with the rest of the family (in secret, of course) to plan the best day ever! You can’t put a price tag on quality time with your Father!
I always try to help my dad enjoy the day. Maybe you could try letting him sleep in this a.m., if this is something he doesn’t normally get to do. Try not to pester him about being anywhere on time! There is nothing more stressful than worrying about running late on what is supposed to be his day. Some nice ways to begin your day may be making him breakfast in bed, getting him the paper to read in bed, or making his much loved pot of coffee.
Make it a family occasion. Father’s Day is by nature a family celebration! Use this chance to get everybody in the family together for a fun day. Consider including all the dads in your family, not just your own dad. Could your celebration include husbands, would-be upcoming dads, your uncles and brothers? If so, do it. The more the merrier! Don’t overlook step-fathers, they’re important too. You don’t have to stay at home. You could go to the beach, a local park or a preferred spot of dad’s!
I usually try to build the celebration around an activity my whole family can enjoy. Some thoughts include: Having a family picnic, enjoying a family grill, taking dad to a favorite sporting occasion, go fishing together, or play golf together. It is all contingent on what types of events your family enjoys. Some of my favorite times with my dad were spent fishing on the lake, so we might go fishing with the whole family this year! That is the perfect opportunity to put down our phones and have a genuine conversation.
You should be original. It’s not all about the gifts, but there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with coming up with a great present for your dad! He will absolutely love it, but more importantly, he will love the fact that you thought of him. When it comes to making gifts for Father’s Day, maybe steer clear of the old-style store-bought gifts of tie and socks. He’s possibly still has last year’s socks stuffed in the back of the drawer. Luxurious or typical gifts are not necessary, but the time and effort you put in to make a custom-made tribute, will be deeply appreciated. Instead, let your own creative abilities sparkle and make him something exceptional: Bake a cake, make his favorite dinner, make a gift bag and fill it with homemade chocolates, cookies, crossword or other puzzles you’ve created by hand, hand-crafted carpentry objects, etc. If you’re artistically inclined, draw or paint a portrait of your dad from a preferred photograph or from memory. I love to write, so I might compose a poem for him! You could also write a song and perform it.
Rejoice in your shared experiences. Look at old photos of you and your dad doing fun activities together. Take a walk down memory lane by creating either a photograph book or a photograph slideshow. You may be astonished at how many things you both have overlooked and how much they mean to you. Particularly if he doesn’t talk much about his life, contemplate recording his voice or taking notes as you discuss old times or old photographs. Make his words and memories part of the family history. You could even edit your conversation and use it for next year’s gift! These are memories that will live on forever. Your great-grandchildren could even listen and really understand what an important part of their lives he is.
I plan to end my father’s fun-filled day by telling him I love him. I encourage you all to do the same! These are the most valuable words in the English dictionary and it is amazing how you can live in the same house as someone and rarely express your feelings for them. Use this Father’s Day as your reminder to show him how much he means to you, but don’t let your appreciation stop there. It is important to make sure your father feels appreciated EVERY day!
