Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Father's Day
• Part 2 of 3: Celebrating Father's Day
• Part 3 of 3: Show your appreciation
• Tips
• Warnings

Father's Day has been celebrated for over 100 years. It is a public holiday in many countries in the world, but not at the same time everywhere. In the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and North America, for example, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Give your dad the very best Father's Day so that he knows how special he is to you.

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Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Father's Day

1. Find out when it's Father's Day. The worst thing you can do is forget it's Father's Day, or make a lot of plans for Father's Day and then find out you have the wrong date. The date for Father's Day depends on the country where you live. But in the Netherlands it is always the third Sunday in June, so the exact date is different every year.
   • If you are not sure when it is Father's Day, you can do a quick internet search using the terms "Father's Day" + the year + the country you live in, and your question will be answered immediately.
2. Think about what makes your father happy. How you celebrate Father's Day depends on what your dad likes and how you can make the day as fun as possible for him. That could mean planning a big adventure, or simply doing all the chores around the house so your dad can take it easy.
   • Plan at least one activity you can do with your dad that you know he likes. Maybe he likes fishing or playing football. Or who knows, he likes to play board games with the whole family. Pick something you know he loves.
   • Dads always do a lot, from housework and bringing kids to school to listening to your problems. Think about a time when your father did a lot for you and see how you can give him something in return. That can be something very simple, such as mowing the lawn.
3. Involve others. If you have siblings, you can make plans with them to organize something fun for your dad. If all the kids celebrate Father's Day together, he probably thinks it's even more special. If you don't have any siblings, you can also ask your mother or grandparents to help you.
   • For example, you can write a song together that you will sing for him on Father's Day, or make a nice card together.
   • You could all take care of part of Father's Day as well. For example, you can make his favorite breakfast, one of your siblings can set up the TV for his favorite sports program and prepare tasty snacks, and yet another can give him a foot massage.
4. Organize an outing or a party for your dad. If your dad isn't very fond of presents but prefers to do something with his family, you can organize an activity where your dad does something he likes.
   • For example, if your dad loves barbecuing, you can gather all the essentials for a garden party and invite some of his friends over to celebrate Father's Day together.
   • If he likes fishing, you can organize a day fishing with him together (or with your whole family if you prefer).
   • Make sure your dad knows about your plans! It would be a shame if you throw a big party and then find out that he doesn't feel like it at all.

Part 2 of 3: Celebrating Father's Day

1. Let him sleep in. If your dad likes to sleep in, but normally can't because of his job and the kids, let him snuggle up today. Don't walk around the house too much with a lot of noise, or he'll wake up. Let him sleep in as long as he likes, and start celebrating Father's Day when he's ready.
   • If you want to bring him breakfast in bed, you can still let him sleep a few hours longer than usual.
2. Wish him a happy Father's Day. That may sound logical, but don't forget to let him know this is his day. When you see him in the morning, shout, "Happy Father's Day, Dad!" In a happy voice. Also remember to give him a hug.
   • It is good to do this right away in the morning, because then your father will know that you have not forgotten and that you want to celebrate the day with him.
3. Ask him what he would like to do. You may have all kinds of ideas about how you want to celebrate Father's Day, but it's not really up to you. Ask your dad how he feels and what he likes on Father's Day.
   • Try to respect your father's wishes. If you have a whole list of ideas for this day, but your dad actually prefers to hang out on the couch, let him do it.
   • Your dad might prefer to do something alone or with your mom on Father's Day. He might want to do some work on his car in the garage or take a weekend away. If so, make sure he doesn't feel bad about it.
4. Have a nice day. One of the most important aspects of Father's Day is that you are present and considerate. Presents are fun, but showing your love and letting your dad know that you are proud of everything he has done for you is the most important factor in celebrating a great Father's Day.
   • For many fathers, the most rewarding part of fatherhood is that his children and wife love and appreciate him.
   • By simply behaving well or giving your dad a hug and saying you love him, you can let him know that you appreciate him.
5. Talk to your father. This is a piece of cake, but don't underestimate it. In our daily life it can easily happen that you forget to really connect with each other. On Father's Day, make a little more effort to talk about important things. Tell him what's going on at school, if you haven't already, and tell him about important things in your life.
   • Make sure it's not all about you! Ask your dad how he is, or ask him to tell you about when he was little.
   • Try to avoid topics on which you disagree. You don't want to get into an argument on Father's Day.
6. Make it a family event. Father's Day can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Plan an outing for the family, or invite everyone for a fun day.
   • Keep your father's character in mind. Does he like big family gatherings? Some people find large groups tiring, not relaxing.
   • Just remember to include all fathers in the family, not just your own father. You may want to invite all of the uncles, brothers, grandfathers, and even stepfathers to dinner.
7. Create a photo slideshow. Make a slideshow with lots of pictures of your father. That could include photos from when he was little; pictures of the whole family, pictures of you and him together and even funny pictures. Watching photos together with your father is a fun way to talk about happy memories.
   • If your photos are in an album, you can view the album together.
   • This can be especially helpful if you are not so close to your father. If you look at photos together you can start conversations.

Part 3 of 3: Show your appreciation

1. Buy or make a card for your dad. Writing a card is a small effort, but sometimes it means more than a gift.
   • When you buy a card for your dad, don't do it at the last minute. If you wait too long, you don't have much choice. Buy a card that suits his character; a funny card if he likes to joke, or a sentimental card to let you know how much your dad means to you.
   • You can also make a map. If you make a card yourself, it is really unique and you can tailor it completely to your father. You can write in the card what things you love about your dad, or you can draw a picture of the two of you together.
2. Come up with a creative gift. Father's Day doesn't have to be about presents, but if you still want to give him something, try to be creative. Don't just buy a pair of socks or a tie. When you buy a present, consider if he recently mentioned something that he is not buying for himself.
   • Homemade gifts are great fun too. For example, you can think of all kinds of things your father taught you (such as swimming, cycling, how to interact with others, and so on). Make a book of this. You can have the book printed via the internet or you can simply make it yourself. You can also paste pictures of you and your father together.
3. Tell him you appreciate him. Being a father is a difficult task. If you're throwing a party, give a talk telling you how much you love and appreciate him. If there is no party, you can just tell him personally.
   • Try to choose your words carefully. While you can just say, "Thank you for being such a good father," you can also be more specific. For example, you can think of the things your dad did this year that meant a lot to you and say, "You did so many things this year to make me happy. I don't know if I say it often enough, but I don't take that for granted and I love you very much. For example, I was so happy that you took me to the mall on your day off and bought me that game that I wanted so badly. "
4. Do the daily chores for him. If your dad has a list of things he normally does (eg, taking out the trash, doing the laundry, unloading the dishwasher, etc.) tell him you are doing everything for him so that he can relax.
   • If there's a job you know he hates (eg mowing the lawn), you can tell him you're doing it because it's Father's Day.
5. Cook him a treat. If you know his favorite dish, prepare it for him on Father's Day. For example, if he loves chocolate chip cookies, you can make them just for him.
   • If your dad likes to cook, this can also be a fun activity to do together.
   • You can also surprise him with breakfast in bed if you think he likes it.
6. Don't pressure your father. Maybe you have a thousand plans for your father on Father's Day. If your dad knows that, he might just join in to make you happy. But don't forget that this is his day, so try to keep an eye on how he feels. If you notice that he is tired or does not like what you suggest, ask him what he likes.
   • Don't get angry or frustrated when things don't go the way you want them to. The last thing your dad wants to do is fight, so remember to keep it light, cheerful, and casual.
   • Remember, you don't have to celebrate every minute of Father's Day with your dad. Give him the space to do what he wants without you sitting on his lip all day.

Tips

• Take pictures on Father's Day. If you have photos, you have a nice memory of the day, and you can use them again for next year's gift.
• Don't be afraid to show your dad how much you love him. In Western society, men often don't show their emotions as easily as women, but your father also has feelings. If you let him know how important he is to you, he will feel happy.
• You don't have to plan all day with activities. It's okay to organize one or two things that show your dad how much you care, but a packed schedule might not be much fun for him.

Warnings

• Remember that your father will not be with you forever. He has probably played an important role in your life, even though he may not be perfect. Take your chance and enjoy the time you have with him.