Week #300 – Next Sunday is Father’s Day! (So remember: the best gifts start with an “F!”)
In early May, I like to give you a heads-up that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Well — June is once again underway, and we’ve all been more than a little distracted, so I wanted to take another moment this year to repeat my little public service announcement to those of you who are celebrating Father’s Day:
PLAN AHEAD!
But before you run out (Ha! Let’s be real…jump online) and buy another necktie or coffee mug or singing fish, take a moment to stop and think about what the man in your life really wants.
(No…not that!)
The other things!
Just like the moms I polled for Mother’s Day, I asked the guys:
What is it that you REALLY want/wish for on Father’s Day?
I have to be honest, getting answers was like pulling teeth. While over 50 ladies responded within hours of my Mother’s Day question, I had to ask the guys three separate times — and then only received answers when another guy intervened on my behalf. (Why is that, guys?!)
Like the ladies, most guys don’t want something that can be bought in a store (which is a good thing this year, since so many places are still closed or offering limited shopping). And while staying at home or doing nothing may have made the top three in prior years…THIS year may be decidedly different.
Still, it might help to start with the “Four F’s” when discussing how the men in your life want to spend THIS Father’s Day:
FOOD, FUN, FAMILY, and a FRIGGIN’ NAP!
FOOD: From morning until night — most dads responded with some sort of food request: breakfast on the deck, donuts, waffles, burgers on the grill, ice cream in the fridge, and beer in the cooler. Rather than buy your dad something on Amazon, head to the local grocery store instead and pick him up the makings of a king-sized breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, OJ, and coffee), a deli lunch (fresh bread, sandwich fixings, side salads, chips, cookies, and deli pickles), or a Grill-fest dinner (burgers and dogs, ribs and chicken, or steaks and potatoes). Make sure you back it up with his favorite dessert — you know, the one just for him (even if the kids don’t like it!).
FUN: Since ballgames, movies, and inside activities are limited right now, outside activities are making a comeback! An outing on the golf course, a day at the beach, or a trip to the woods are all safe bets this year. Dads do want to have fun! (As long as they’re with the ones they love!)
FAMILY: In almost every category (except one, see below) — the dads I heard from all wanted to spend time with their families! Laugher, cuddles, and a few “I love you, dads” don’t hurt either!
THE NAP: Moms aren’t alone in their request for a little extra sleep! Napping was the number one response I received from dads, too! Extra sleep goes a LONG way! Make sure you get some on Father’s Day! đ
Your Happyness Challenge for the week ahead: Father’s Day is June 21st! Do you know what the man in your life really wants? Use this list to jump start the conversation! Let HIM create the honey-do list for the day! Work out a list that includes things each member of the family can check off: food, family, fun, and that all important NAP! Just like Mother’s Day, the most important thing is to PLAN AHEAD! Don’t leave things to the last minute. And if it is a necktie or another coffee mug — wear it or drink from it in good health!
[A big THANK YOU to all the Dreamers & Builders who took the time to respond to my poll — and whose honest sharing made this post possible!]
Spread Happyness — PLAN AHEAD! And share YOUR Father’s Day ideas in the comments!
[This post originally appeared on Week #91.]
6/12/20 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com