What's the deal with Father's Day?
I believe I’ve struggled more over this blog post than any other. Not because I didn’t have an amazing father though. Read on…
Daddy
Thankfully, I was blessed with an incredible dad who taught me the value of a penny, created a train visual for me to learn those pesky multiplication tables, and gave his unequivocable support for every dream I ever imagined. I have oodles of stories I could share with you.
Most importantly though, my dad showed me the love of God, my Father. He instilled in me the foundation of a life worth living and how it all revolves around Jesus. And I watched him live a servant life, investing in people and the Kingdom of God.
Daddy loved and served and gave—and boy, did he work hard. Just so he could love and serve and give more to his family, extended family, church, and community.
Jean's Hallmark Shop's Busiest Moments
During the 70’s and 80’s, my parents owned and operated Jean’s Hallmark Shop in Mooresville, North Carolina. Many of my childhood and teenage memories revolve around that store.
Our craziest day of the year was December 26th—the day all the Hallmark Christmas ornaments were reduced to half price! People literally lined up on the sidewalk waiting to get in and rush the ornament section. My siblings and I always debated who should be the one to unlock the door that morning!
Other super-busy times were Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. I remember my parents wrapping everything from Precious Moments to those little blue Smurf figurines some children picked out for their mommies. 😉 Gift Bibles, picture frames, and eloquent cards flew off the shelves.
Meh… not so busy on Father’s Day!
But, when Father’s Day rolled around, I was always a bit confused that people didn’t celebrate or revere the day nearly as much as Mother’s Day.
- A smaller section of cards
- No throngs of customers milling around
- Just a few requests for ideas for Dad gifts
Father's Day Today
The National Retail Federation statistics are out.
· Although over 84% of adults in the United States celebrated Mother’s Day, 75% celebrated father figures.
· Moms garnered a record spending of $33.5 billion in 2024. On average, people planned to spend over $254 per mom!
· Father’s Day spending is expected to total $22.4 billion, an average of $189.81 per father figure. (It all seems higher than I expected, by the way. My dad would have been thrilled to see people spending that in the shop!)
· Note though that the Father’s Day recipients are varied:
50% will celebrate fathers or stepfathers
26% – husbands
10% – sons
8% – brothers
8% – friends
And 6% – grandfathers.
Father’s Day Celebrations in Kindergarten
Over the years in kindergarten, too, our dad celebrations focused on all the men in the children’s lives. While the mothers’ gatherings tended to be poised and sweet, the dads ate with gusto, laughed out loud, and brought a different vibe to our classroom. The children reveled in it.
We couldn’t make those beautiful Mother’s Day bonnets, but we wanted to make special keepsakes:
- One year we created men’s hats. (I wish I had a picture of that year!) Picture a beautifully-painted, pointy cap. 😂😆🤣
- Other years, we resorted to cardstock neckties. They were patterned with brightly-colored crayons of shapes and patterns and, yes, scribbles. We tied them around the men’s necks with yarn. Some dads graciously kept them on for the entire occasion. (Oh, yes, the things that daddies do for their kids! We were always so grateful for their fun-loving spirit. Of course, the children loved it all!)
- But we always gave the gift of words.
Written Notes for Father Figures
Y-e-a-r-s ago when many daddies read newspapers, we began creating collections of our kids’ writing pieces for our dads to enjoy a keepsake from the day. In those days, dads would come first thing in the morning, eat a doughnut or two, and watch a little performance. We gave them their “morning newspapers” as they headed off to work.
As the years progressed, it became pretty evident that our dads didn’t immerse themselves in newspapers like they once did! (Especially the year one little fellow said, “What IS a newspaper anyway?”) Not all the men went straight to an office either. But we kept creating the newspapers anyway. It was always fun—for all of us—seeing what the different kids said about their dads across the newspaper collection. Sweet memories!
Looking for Books that Might Touch Your Children's and Father’s Heart?
- I Love You Like… Scott Sutton
This book was created by a young father who wouldn’t live past his son’s second birthday. But he wanted to leave a legacy of love. Proceeds from the sale of this book go for the child’s college expenses.
Despite the sadness behind the making of this story, it’s a darling back-and-forth verse about all the ways a father loves his son. The adventure started when a young grasshopper asked his daddy how much he loved him. A grand walk and story ensues.
- When Dads Don’t Grow Up, Marjorie Blain Parker
Take a deep-dive to follow four sets of fathers-and-kids as they go through busy days. These kids realize how their dads see the world differently than everyone else’s. The charming illustrations will give dads and little ones much to talk about and laugh over—and may even give fun ideas for new adventures to go on!
- Jabari Jumps, Gaia Cornwall
In this small-moment story of a child facing his fears, the dad is the supporting character as his young son works up the courage to jump from a high-dive board into a pool. And supportive he is! The dad gives Jabari his space, tosses an encouraging word right when Jabari needs it, and celebrates along with his son. Definitely, a feel-good read—and perfect for the summer.
- You are My Dream Come True, Michelle Medlock Adams and Cecil Stokes
Another supportive dad, but this one is the central figure and primary caregiver in young Boone’s life. The illustrations show their incredible, real life together. But, ah, the words! As an advocate for adoption across the world, Cecil gives dads words to pour over their children at bedtime. A fresh look at a father’s love!
And… A Unique Book to Honor Dads through the Perspective of Sons, Wives, and Mothers
And newly-released, right in time for Father’s Day, is a different kind of dad book—one meant as a gift FOR fathers and father figures. I Love You, Dad! Words to Honor and Humor You was written by Blythe Daniel, William Daniel, and Helen McIntosh (a three-generation writing team.) This book is perfect for dads to look back at their lives and look ahead to their dreams. Inspirational stories, devotions, and funny dad jokes abound in this compact book that assures men that their impact is significant.
Please note that if your experience with your father wasn’t the one you always dreamed of, take a look at Blythe’s devotion for the Proverbs 31 Ministries. She brings wisdom to people with all kinds of dads and spotlights the greatest Father of all. It’s clear from the readers’ comments that her words about dads were healing and inspired.
Pictures With Your Father
Whether you spend your Father’s Day with your dad, a beloved father-figure, or your Heavenly Father, savor every single second. And as I suggested with moms, be sure to take a few pictures. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!
I love this post! Yes, I see your Dad holding your hand!
I loved your idea of a newspaper where the children wrote about their fathers. Those were the sweetest!
I did read Blythe’s devotion and it was powerful. Yes, I will definitely take pictures this Sunday.
Thank you for the reminder.
💖💖
Jennifer, thank you for sharing all of these heartwarming examples and resources. Dads have such an impact on our lives. How blessed are we who have experienced tender the love of a father.
Just now catching up on blog reading. This is precious! With my Dad in the hospital now, I’m reflecting on just how great of a father he has been to me. Thanks for sharing these sweet words to remind us to show love to our dads on Father’s Day and EVERY day!