Five ways to honor Father’s Day

Whether you’re celebrating with the “World’s Greatest Dad” or reflecting on fond memories, Father’s Day can be a time to embrace love and comfort while remembering the best moments with your father.

If your father has departed, you may find solace in continuing to honor him on this special day. The following activities can help you and your loved ones observe the holiday together.

To celebrate with dad, options #1-4 offer a special way to express the appreciation he deserves every day.

1. Tell him you love him
   Write a letter telling your dad what you loved about him as a parent, and share updates on your daily life. If you’re unable to deliver your letter, read it aloud as if speaking to him directly.
   
   
2. Create a tradition
   Every Father’s Day, try one of dad’s hobbies. Casual hobbies may be great for the day (reading, relaxing games, etc.), while challenging ones (athletics, crafting, gardening) allow you to deep dive into his interests.
   
   These activities can help you feel more connected to dad, and you may even discover a side of his personality that you hadn’t noticed before.
   
   To complete the day, watch a movie or TV show you both enjoyed, or cook up his favorite meal.
   
   
3. Host a potluck
   Create a list of your dad’s favorite foods, and invite family and friends to bring one of the dishes to a potluck. You can set out his preferred drinks while turning up his playlist, then reminisce over his best stories and jokes. If possible, be sure to display some of dad’s mementos.
   
   If your father can join you for this occasion, it will serve as an especially beautiful memory. If you’re honoring dad in spirit, this gathering can bring everyone together before or after visiting his resting place.
   
   
4. Offer a tangible tribute
   If you plan to visit your father’s resting place, look into floriography (birth flowers, language of flowers) for ideas on which flowers to get.

For example, here are just a few flowers and their meanings according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• Goldenrod: Encouragement, good fortune
• Hyacinth: Sport, game, play
• Honeysuckle: Bonds
• Iris: Faith, trust, wisdom, hope, valor
• Salvia: I think of you

For the dads who don’t have an interest in flowers, plants like aloe, basil, marjoram, rosemary, and sage all come with special messages. When placing flowers at his resting place, you can still speak on the meanings in an act of peaceful commiseration.

If you are observing the day with your father and you’d like to offer a few plants to him, be sure to tell him why you picked each one.

• For the departed: Care for a child
  To support a child who has lost their father, consider getting a grief workbook or journal for them. You can help them work through it or invite them to draw pictures and write stories about dad.
  
  If you’re hosting a potluck, invite the child to help make a meal and share their pictures/drawings of dad. Encourage them to talk about the art they created if they’re open to it.

Hopefully, these activities will help you treasure memories of your father. While planning, remember to cherish every moment. If you are grieving, don’t forget that it’s okay to take time to yourself.

Wishing you and your loved ones a special Father’s Day.

Source:
What Does Each Flower Symbolize?

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