Father’s Day
Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to honour fathers and express gratitude towards them. The day recognises the contribution of fathers and the importance of paternal bond in the lives of children. Although the date is not fixed in countries around the world, the spirit behind the celebration is just the same.
After the success of Mother’s Day in the US, President Richard Nixon declared third Sunday of June as Father’s Day, in 1972. Many countries including US, UK, France, Canada, Japan and India celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, every year.
Although the idea of celebrating Father’s Day is a western concept, it is appreciated in India also with same excitement. In India, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. This year, Father’s Day will fall on 16th June, 2013.
Significance of the Day
The role of father in a child’s life is no less than a mother. He is a caretaker, guide, friend and a hero for his children. Children depend on him for their emotional, physical and financial support. Father’s Day provides an opportunity to the children to express their love and respect to their fathers for all his affection and sacrifices. The day makes a father feel that his contributions are equally important as a mother’s contribution in the upbringing of their children. On Father’s Day, fathers feel proud that their efforts are also acknowledged by their children in the society and this two way affection strengthens the family’s bond.
Celebrations
Father’s Day is celebrated with immense pleasure and charm across the globe. Millions of people celebrate the occasion with their father, father-in-law and grandfather.
On this day, people present flowers, greeting cards and gifts to their fathers. Some prepare handmade cards for their fathers with beautiful and sentimental quotes to express their feelings for their fathers. Children search a lot to find unique Father’s Day gift. The most popular Father’s Day gifts are wallets, neck-tie, watches, perfumes etc.
Even malls and markets start campaigning for the festival, days before the commencement of Father’s Day.
Children usually plan a day out with their father. They enjoy lunch & dinner with them. Also, children arrange surprise party for their fathers and invite their friends and relatives on the day.
Those who stay away from their father feel like spending the day with their father to celebrate the occasion, which is the most special way of expressing love and respect for their father.
As a mother, you can encourage your children to celebrate Father’s Day at home by:
- Advising the children to make hand-made Father’ Day cards in advance.
- Helping them in buying some gift for their father like a watch, shaving kit, a gadget, CD of favourite movies, sporting event tickets, etc.
- Planning with the children to pamper their father by making his favourite tea or coffee and serve him breakfast, tea/coffee and newspaper to read in the bed.
- Encouraging your children to use their creative skills and help them write a poem or a heartfelt Father’s Day speech.
- Inspiring your children to make ‘The greatest dad on earth’ certificate, a collage or a sketch of their father to show him how important he is, in their lives.
- Helping them decorate the house with pictures of their father or family pictures and take out some time to sit with him and cherish those captured moments with him.
- Playing his favourite games with him, like chess, cards, a computer game or an outdoor game.
- Planning an outing or a party for him along with the children.
So, on Father’s Day, use the above tips and guide your children to make each moment of their father happy, by acknowledging his contribution in the family by sweet gestures of hugs and kisses.
