by Nightmarehippiegirl

Created on: January 08, 2010

Father's Day is a holiday that dates back to 1910 when it was inspired by the daughter of a Civil War Veteran, Sonora Smart Dodd.  Ms. Dodd suggested the holiday to the Spokane Ministerial Alliance after listening to a church sermon about the newly established, Mother's Day.  She felt that father's should be honored and celebrated as well and shared her idea.  Father's Day is celebrated around the world.  In the United States it falls on the third Sunday each June.  Unlike many other holidays, Father's Day doesn't involve any sort of widely held traditions.  There is no Father's Day must-have meal, no Father's Day icon to stand in the ranks of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny or Father's Day traditional gift definition.  Because of this beautiful simplicity, Father's Day doesn't need to be a burden to you or your wallet.

Always keep in mind that this is a holiday meant to honor and celebrate Father's, which doesn't necessarily have a retail component.  Give some thought to who the recipient Dad is and what would truly make him feel honored.  I know my Dad would have chosen some solitude over any bottle of cologne or tie in the world.  He would have cherished a day to just sit at home in front of the television without giving a thought to what channels might not be appropriate for younger viewers in the room, or that soon his wife was going to ask him to take out the trash.  He would have indulged in a cold beer and appreciated a day to relax.  Of course being a family oriented holiday, you may not want to do this on Father's Day, but rather give him a coupon for a day to himself with some advanced scheduling instructions.  Then on the day he chooses to redeem his coupon, stock the fridge with his favorite beverages, prepare a favorite snack or perhaps a meal to be reheated and try to make things as comfortable for him as possible.  Then leave the house and take the kids on an outing for the day.  Come home at a prearranged time and make a point not to bring up any honey-dos or other responsibilities that could spoil Dad's day of relaxation.  This can work to your advantage too if you are fortunate enough to arrange it right.  If possible, send the kids to friend's houses and enjoy a day to yourself as well.  Or if you want to show Dad how much he means to you personally, arrange for the kids to spend the night away and return alone at the end of Dad's day of solitude to

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>