Photo by Nisha A, courtesy of Flickr
SUNDAY, JUNE 16: Spend some time with Dad and take a minute to say “Thanks”—it’s Father’s Day! Across the United States, more than 70 million fathers qualify for recognition on this special day.
Did you know? Celebrations similar to Father’s Day have been in existence around the globe for hundreds of years. In traditionally Catholic countries, fathers are popularly recognized on the Feast of St. Joseph.
Photo courtesy of PickPik
SONORA SMART DODD: A FATHER’S DAY IN AMERICA
The American Father’s Day began in Spokane, Washington, in 1910, with the daughter of a widow. When Sonora Smart Dodd heard a Mother’s Day sermon in church, she approached her pastor, believing that fathers like hers—a Civil War veteran and single father who had raised six children—deserved recognition, too.
Following the initial few years, Father’s Day was all but lost until Dodd returned to Spokane, once again promoting her holiday. Despite support by trade groups and the Father’s Day Council, Father’s Day was rejected by both the general public and Congress until 1966. President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law in 1972.
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY: FOOD, FUN & MORE
Stumped on how to celebrate Dad today? Look no further! We’ve rounded up plenty of ideas to please dads of any age:
Cooking dinner for Dad? Whether you’re taking food to the grill or to the oven, get inspired with recipes from Food Network, Martha Stewart and AllRecipes.
Want to get Dad something he will “actually use?” CNN has rounded up 60 ideas, with the claim that these gift ideas are both “practical” and just plain fantastic.
Spending time with Dad may be the best gift of all, though, and if you’re stumped for activity ideas, Reader’s Digest has suggestions on what to do. A plethora of other activity ideas to try with Dad this Father’s Day can be found at The Pioneer Woman, Good Housekeeping and Parade.