Buzz
Father's Day has been celebrated for over a century and has grown into a global event, with varying dates across different countries. In North America and the UK, Father's Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. Whether or not you can go out due to COVID-19, you can still make the day special for your dad by showing him just how much you love him. With a bit of planning, you can create a wonderful day for him.
Steps
Celebrating Father's Day During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Call your dad (video chat) if you're not living together. Thanks to modern technology, you can still connect with your dad on Father's Day even if you're not physically together. Invite him to join a video call through Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
- Plan ahead with your dad so he can download the video chat software to his phone, computer, or tablet. If your dad isn't tech-savvy, give him a call beforehand to guide him through the process of installing the app.
- Some video chat apps like Zoom allow you to set a virtual background. Surprise him by uploading a Father's Day-themed background or create a real sign and hang it behind you.
Order your dad's favorite meal from a restaurant. If you can't go to a restaurant with your dad, have the meal delivered to your home. Order a delicious spread and ask for it to be delivered right to your door.
- If you enjoy cooking, you could prepare a special meal for Father's Day. Set a beautiful table and give your dad a restaurant-like experience right at home.
- Even if you don't live with your dad, you can still have food delivered to his place. Arrange a video call with him while you're both enjoying your virtual feast!
Go to the park or take a walk if your dad enjoys that. If he dislikes being cooped up, take a stroll with him in the park or go for a hike. You could even invite some friends to join, as long as everyone maintains a safe distance.
- If you're planning to go with others, remember to stay at least 2 meters apart. Avoid crowded parks where it's hard to keep that distance.
- Don't forget to bring picnic essentials like food, drinks, and hand sanitizer for the day out.
Create a virtual trip or concert experience for your dad to enjoy from home. If your dad feels safer staying at home, set up a virtual adventure for him. Visit a museum or national park together online, or join a live-streamed concert.
- You can explore various national parks and museums virtually through Google Arts and Culture. For example, take your dad on a 3D virtual tour of the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park via their website.
- If your dad loves animals, check if his favorite zoo or aquarium offers virtual tours.
- For live-streamed concerts and performances, check out NPR’s list: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown.
Enroll your dad in an online class if he loves learning. If your dad enjoys picking up new skills, an online class could be a perfect gift—especially during a time when he's stuck at home due to the pandemic. Find an online course related to your dad's interests, or pick something new for both of you to explore together!
- For example, if your dad loves experimenting in the kitchen, sign him up for an online cooking class. Or, if he's into the arts, look for a drawing or sculpture class.
- If you’d prefer to let your dad choose his own class, you could gift him an all-access pass, like a MasterClass or Skillshare subscription.
Host a movie night or game session if your dad enjoys cozy gatherings. If your dad is more of a homebody, organizing a gathering at home might be the best option. Play games together, make some popcorn, and watch his favorite movie with the whole family.
- If you have a projector and a spacious backyard, you could set up an outdoor movie night! Hang a white sheet on a wall or project onto a blank wall, and arrange chairs so everyone can enjoy the movie under the stars.
Camping in the backyard is a fun and simple adventure. There are several special activities to enjoy together. Light a campfire, roast sausages, and tell spooky stories. You can also set up a tent in the yard and sleep in cozy sleeping bags, or hang a hammock in the garden.
- If your dad enjoys grilling, you could incorporate a barbecue into your camping experience.
Plan for Father's Day
Find out when Father's Day is. There's nothing worse than forgetting or planning a wonderful celebration only to realize you've got the date wrong. Father's Day is celebrated on different days in various countries. However, in the U.S. and the UK, it is always observed on the third Sunday of June, so the date varies each year.
- If you're unsure about the date of Father's Day, quickly search online using keywords like “Father's Day + year + country” and you'll find the answer in no time.
Think about what will make your dad happy. The way you celebrate Father's Day largely depends on what your dad enjoys and what activity will make the day filled with joy. You could plan an exciting adventure or simply take care of household chores to let him relax.
- Plan at least one activity that your dad loves so you both can enjoy it together. Maybe he likes fishing, playing catch, or having a family game night. Choose an activity he would enjoy.
- Dads take on many roles—helping with household tasks, driving kids to school or practices, and always being there to listen when you need advice. Think of something he has done for you in the past and figure out how you can show your appreciation. Maybe something as simple as mowing the lawn for him will do.
Get everyone involved. If you have siblings, you can get them together to plan something special for dad. Father's Day will be even more memorable if all the kids join in the celebration. If you don’t have siblings, you can ask mom or grandparents to help out.
- For example, you could all write a song to sing for Father's Day or work together to make a card for dad.
- You could also assign each sibling a task for the day. One might be in charge of making breakfast for dad, another could control the TV to play his favorite sports show and snacks, and another could give him a relaxing foot massage.
Plan a party or outdoor picnic for dad. If your dad isn’t the type to appreciate gifts but enjoys spending time with family, you could organize an activity where he can enjoy the things he loves.
- For instance, if your dad enjoys grilling, you could gather all the necessary items for a barbecue in the backyard and invite some of his friends to join in the Father's Day celebration.
- If he loves fishing, you could plan a day of fishing with just the two of you (or the whole family, if you prefer).
- Be sure to check with your dad about your big plans! You wouldn’t want to go to the trouble of organizing an event only to find out he’s not interested in it.
Celebrate with dad
Let dad sleep in. If your dad loves sleeping in but rarely gets the chance due to work and kids, let him have that extra rest today. Avoid moving around noisily and disturbing him. Let him sleep as long as he wants and start celebrating when he’s ready.
- If you plan to bring breakfast to him in bed, make sure to give him a few extra hours of sleep, just like he deserves.
Wish dad a happy Father’s Day. This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to remind him that today is his special day. When you see him in the morning, greet him with a cheerful “Happy Father’s Day!” and give him a big hug.
- This should be the first thing you do in the morning, so your dad knows you didn’t forget and that you’re excited to celebrate the day with him.
Ask what dad wants to do. You might come up with plenty of ideas for celebrating Father’s Day, but remember, it’s not about you—it’s about what your dad enjoys. Ask him how he feels and what he’d like to do that day.
- Try to respect his wishes. If you’ve prepared a long list of ideas for Father’s Day, but your dad just wants to relax on the couch, let him enjoy the day his way.
- Your dad might want to do something on his own or with your mom. For example, he might prefer working on the car in the garage or getting away to a quiet spot for the weekend. If that’s the case, don’t make him feel guilty about it.
Make your Father's Day filled with joy. One of the most important aspects of this day is simply being present and showing care. While gifts are great, expressing your love and reminding your dad that you are proud of him and all he does for you is the most important thing to make Father's Day truly special.
- For many dads, the greatest reward is the love and appreciation shown by their children and spouse.
- A simple gesture of affection, like a hug or telling him how much you love him, will show him how cherished he is.
Talk to your dad. This might seem simple, but it's something that should not be overlooked. In daily life, we often forget the precious moments spent with family. On Father's Day, make sure to spend time chatting with your dad. Share stories from school that you haven't told him yet, or confide in him about things happening in your life.
- Don't just talk about yourself! Ask how his work is going or inquire about his childhood.
- Try to avoid topics that might lead to arguments. Make sure Father's Day doesn't end in conflict.
Turn this day into a family event. Father's Day can be a wonderful time for the whole family to gather. Plan a family event to bring everyone together in celebration of Father's Day.
- However, consider your dad's personality. Does he enjoy large family gatherings, or is he someone who prefers a quieter day? For some, big crowds can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
- Consider bringing together all the fathers in your family, not just your dad or partner. You might want to include uncles, siblings, grandfathers, and even stepdads in the celebration, perhaps with a family dinner.
Create a slideshow of photos. Make a slideshow with a collection of your dad's pictures. You can gather childhood photos, family photos, pictures of just you and your dad, or even funny moments. Watching these together is a fantastic way to reminisce and celebrate happy memories.
- If the photos are in an album, you can all enjoy flipping through it together.
- This is especially meaningful if you're close with your dad. The old photos can spark nostalgic conversations between you two.
Show your love for your dad.
Buy or create a greeting card for your dad. A card can be incredibly meaningful, sometimes even more than a gift.
- If you plan to buy a card for Father's Day, make sure you don't leave it to the last minute, as there may not be many options left. Choose a card that fits your dad's personality – something fun if he enjoys humor, or heartfelt if you want to express your deep love for him.
- You can also make a card yourself. A handmade card is unique and can be personalized to match your dad's style. Inside, you could write about the things you love about him or even draw a portrait of you two together.
Think of a creative gift. Father's Day doesn’t necessarily need a gift, but if you choose to give one, aim for something unique. Don’t just pick up a tie or socks. While shopping, think about things your dad often mentions or something he enjoys but has hesitated to buy for himself.
- Handmade gifts are also a great idea. For example, you could compile a list of things your dad has taught you (like how to play badminton, ride a bike, or treat people kindly) and turn it into a book. You can create it online or make it yourself. You can even add photos of you and your dad to make it more personal.
Tell your dad how grateful you are. Being a father is a challenging task. If you’re throwing a party, raise a toast to your dad in front of everyone and express your love and gratitude. If there’s no party, just say it to him privately.
- Try to speak from the heart. While a simple 'Thank you for being such a great dad' will work, take some time to think of something deeper. For instance, you could recall meaningful moments from the past year and say, 'Dad, you've worked so hard to ensure I'm healthy and happy. I know I should say this more often, but I don’t take for granted all that you do for me. I love you so much. I’ll never forget how you spent your day off taking me to buy the new video game I really wanted.'
Take care of household chores for your dad. If your dad has a long list of daily tasks (like taking out the trash, making the bed, doing laundry, washing dishes, etc.), tell him you’ll handle everything on Father’s Day so he can relax.
- If there’s a particular task your dad really dislikes (like mowing the lawn), you can offer to take care of it for him on Father’s Day.
Cook a meal for your dad. If you know what your dad enjoys eating, plan to cook a special meal for him on this day. You could also make his favorite dessert. For example, if your dad loves chocolate chip cookies, bake a batch just for him.
- If your dad enjoys cooking, you could arrange to cook together as a bonding experience.
- You might even surprise him with breakfast in bed if you think he’d enjoy that.
Don't put pressure on your dad. On Father's Day, you may have countless plans in mind for him. If he's aware of this, he may go along with everything just to make you happy. However, remember that it's Father's Day, so you should pay attention to his mood. If he seems tired or not excited about your plans, ask him what he'd like to do.
- Don't get upset or disappointed if things don't go exactly as planned. Your dad will likely not enjoy seeing you upset. Stay relaxed, cheerful, and avoid getting stressed.
- There's no need to celebrate every single moment with your dad on Father's Day. Allow him to enjoy some time doing the things he enjoys without constantly being by his side.
Advice:
- Take photos on Father's Day. These photos will serve as great memories of the day, and you can use them as part of a gift for your dad next year.
- Don't hesitate to tell your dad how much you love him. While men may not express their feelings as often as women, they still feel deeply. Your dad will be very happy to know how much the family values and loves him.
- You don't need to keep planning one activity after another. One or two activities is a good idea, but if you overdo it, your dad might not have time to relax and may lose interest.
Capture memories on Father's Day. Take some photos throughout the day to preserve the moments. You can even use those images as part of a gift for your dad next year.
- Don't hold back when expressing your love. Though men may not always open up emotionally like women, they feel just as much. Your dad will be truly touched to know how much you and your family cherish and love him.
- There's no need to overwhelm him with too many activities. One or two things are enough, but too much might leave your dad with little time to relax, and he could lose interest.
