father's day 2Ever since Richard Nixon signed a proclamation in 1972 making the second Sunday in June Father’s Day, people have been officially honoring their dads on this day. But unlike Mother’s Day, with its traditional flowers, candy and brunches, it can be difficult to know how to celebrate.

Since it’s his day, why not make it all about Dad. Here are some ways you can put the spotlight on him:

  • Ask him in advance his three favorite ways to spend a lazy day. Then make sure your plans for Father’s Day include at least one of those.
  • Plan a menu of Dad’s top meals. Biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon and eggs for breakfast? Check! Lunch at his favorite hot dog stand? You got it! Steak on the grill with loaded mashed potatoes? Why not! Make it a point to keep Dad (and his stomach) happy all day long.
  • Give him the gift of time. Thankfully it’s summertime, so you can easily find pastimes to please an outdoor-loving dad. Play ball in the yard or shoot hoops on the drive. Fly a kite in the park. Or play board games at the house. If he likes to work with his hands, offer to work alongside Dad in the garden or in his workshop. Communicate to him that he’s important to you by letting him see that you’re happy to be with him, no matter what you’re doing.
  • Dads can be hard to shop for. Instead of giving him another tie or cologne, why not pick up tickets to the movies or take him out to the arcade for a day of pinball machines and video games. Offer to wash and vacuum his car. Send him the smartphone version of his favorite board game. Give him the digital download of his favorite album.

Dads don’t always receive the recognition they deserve, so it’s great that we have a day set aside to focus on him. Use it in a way that best suits the dad in your life.