Few of us can ignore Mother’s Day, celebrated in the month of May.  Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June in the United States.  Even though the day to honor fathers was proclaimed in 1910, it was not made a nationwide holiday until 1972, 58 years after Mother’s Day became official.  It is a little-known fact that there was a movement in the 1920’s and 30’s to combine the two days to create “Parent’s Day”, but commercialism overrode those intentions because two gift buying opportunities served retailers better than one!!

This year, we express our gratitude to Fathers for their role in raising children and being role models to youth in society on Sunday, June 21.

Father’s Day has never quite caught on in the way that Mothers’ Day has, possibly because, as one florist explained, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.”  Indeed, many men think of it as a bit too sentimental for their tastes and, ironically, are probably the main reason that Father’s Day is not more popular!  Despite this, the holiday still sees Americans spending millions on gifts and celebrations for fathers every year.

So, if we cannot gift flowers to our fathers and father-figures, what replaces this traditional show of love?  Items such as wallets, socks, sporting accessories are most commonly given to Dad, along with a greeting card filled with heartfelt feelings.  Gestures like giving Dad breakfast in bed, indulging his wish to watch his favorite ball game or taking him to his favorite restaurant certainly help make the day less commercial and more meaningful  – something which all and any Dad will surely appreciate.

To Dads everywhere – Happy Father’s Day!