Getting Personal

                All the Facts About Father's Day | Fathers Day Gifts from GettingPersonal.co.uk
            
                When it comes to Father's Day there are lots of myths; and cynical people usually love them. In this article we'll look at the facts about Fathers Day and see where the truth begins and where it ends. We'll take a common statement and then we'll elaborate on that and tell you the real deal!

"Really, Father's Day honours your father and celebrates his love and guidance."
 
This is true! It offers you the chance to say a great big thank you to your dad for teaching you to walk on your own, sarcastically back-chat, tell the time and tie your shoelaces. This traditional day is there specifically to encourage you to go out of your way to make your father feel wonderful and appreciated. It is good for dads everywhere!

"Father's Day has been around in one form or another forever."
 
This is False! The first time that Father's Day was made official was in the year 1909 and down to an American woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Sonora thought that it was only fair that fathers have a special day too; because Mother's Day was already an official holiday and she lobbied to get it on to the calendar. Some historians argue that Father's Day was around before then but it wasn't in any official capacity.

One story tells how a clay tablet was found from ancient Babylonia which had a message inscribed on to it by a boy called Elmesu. Some rumours claim this paid homage to 'Father's Day' and that on the tablet Elmesu hoped his father would live a long life and stay healthy.

"Retailers love Father's Day. It is too commercialised."
 
This is False! Father' Day is what you make of it personally and if you don't want to spend money in shops you don't have to. The point really is making your dad happy; you can do that by mowing his lawn, baking him his favourite cake or buying him a present. What you do is up to you and you shouldn't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

We know how silly it can seem with shops full of generic rubbish that doesn't impart meaning, but the truth is, if you want to find him a unique gift, you'll find it. There's no need to buy the samey rubbish sold in some high street stores. Look for something perfect for your dad instead (or make it) and make him, smile!

"Father's Day is often neglected because people think it doesn't matter to their dads."
 
This is True! Often people say they haven't got their father anything for Father's Day, not because they can't afford to, or because they don't enjoy spending time with him but because 'he doesn't care about it'. That doesn't make sense to us. One reason people don't like a celebration (and a common reason) is because it's never any fun. Start making Fathers Day fun for your dad and he'll love it. 

Chances are; if Father's Day doesn't matter to your dad it's because he's never had a nice one. Or maybe it does matter to him a lot and he's saving his feelings by not letting anyone know!

"It is an opportunity to bring the family together."
 
This is True! Of course Father's Day is a chance to get everyone together! It's Summer, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's the perfect time to round up the family and enjoy the day together. You can go for a picnic, have a BBQ, or do all kinds of other activities together. Even a trip to the park with the family can be great fun. 

Give your dad a great big hug and reminisce about growing up. Get your aunts and uncles over for a meal or play games together. Build family traditions!

"Father's Day is expensive."

This is False! Of course Fathers Day isn't expensive. Like we've said it's in the Summer so you can sit out in the garden together for free. You could make your own card for your dad from scratch and do some odd jobs around the house for him as a present. Hey presto! You've shown him you loved him and it didn't cost you a thing.

The truth is, Father's Day costs how ever much you want it to. Don't ever let money stop you from telling your pa you love him.

"It is celebrated differently in other countries."
 
This is True! In countries other than the UK Father's Day is celebrated on different days and the traditions involved do vary too. In South Africa people typically go for a picnic and go fishing and in Sweden dads traditionally get served a delicious breakfast in bed, with cheese, ham, bread, fruit juice and sometimes porridge.

Related article: Light up his life this Fathers Day (Fathers Day)