Father’s Day: Bring joy to Dad, Grandpa and more

Father's Day

Photo courtesy of Pikist

SUNDAY, JUNE 21: Make dinner on the grill, put together a gift for 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.

2020 UPDATE: While many states are slowly reopening retail stores and other public places, social distancing is still highly recommended and enforced. Looking for ideas to celebrate? Check out 10 ways to observe Father’s Day in quarantine, here. Searching for ways to mark a virtual Father’s Day? Find several ways, in this article from Woman’s Day. Forbes states that “masks are the new ties”—at least, according to this article. Finally, from Health.com, there are 15 best gifts that Dad can use during quarantine.

ST. JOSEPH AND SONORA SMART DODD: A FATHER’S DAY

The official holiday has been in effect for nearly half a century in the United States, although similar celebrations have been in existence around the globe for much longer. In traditionally Catholic countries, fathers are popularly recognized on the Feast of St. Joseph.

Did you know? Fortune magazine reports that Americans’ focus on Father’s Day has been growing in popularity over the last decade, at least as analysts judge the amount American families spend on Father’s Day gifts. That figure has grown 70 percent, or $6.6 billion, over the last decade, according to Katherine Cullen, senior director of Consumer and Industry Insights at the National Retail Federation.

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.

Hand hold

Photo courtesy of Pickpik

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.

CELEBRATE: GRILLING, MOVIES & 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.

From the Silver Screen: Take to the air conditioning with popcorn and a dad-centered flick. Our favorite list is from Screen Rant, which recognizes fathers from Darth Vader to Bryan Mills in “Taken.”

From the Kids: Young children can craft gifts, cards and more with ideas from here.

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