“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature” – Antoine François Prévost

It’s time to celebrate Dad! Father’s Day is June 21st, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still make Father’s Day extra special. As more Americans become vaccinated, social distancing guidelines and mask mandates have shifted; however, life is still not fully back to “normal”.

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, it’s going to take some extra creativity to celebrate Dad this year. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been adapting and finding creative ways to spend time with our loved ones.

So, check out these fun and unique ways to celebrate!

Virtual Gathering

Nothing can replace seeing your dad in person, but a virtual celebration is a pretty close second! Use video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype to bring your family together…even if only virtually

The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature – Antoine François Prévost

Pay it Forward

If your dad has a charity, organization, or issue that’s close to his heart, consider making a donation in his honor. Check out World Vision for a list of some of the ways you can “pay it forward”.

Get Some Fresh Air

Spend some quality time outdoors with your loved one. Taking the time to sit together, enjoying nature, and sharing stories will mean a lot to your dad.

Make an Evacuation Plan

In order to make an evacuation plan, you’ll need to assess the risk of an imminent natural disaster. There are several red flags that can help you identify this, including if a storm is expected in your area within 24 hours, or if there has been heavy rainfall for more than two days straight and flooding is possible. Once you have assessed these risks, it will be easier to create a plan for evacuation.

Plant a tree

If your dad is no longer with you, consider planting a tree in his memory. It’s a great way to keep his memory alive through a living tribute. Not only will this help our environment, but it will honor your father’s legacy.

Customize a gift

For those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, creating a customized gift, such as a calendar, puzzle, blanket, or photo album will help display special events or photos. A calendar can help him track days, months, and special events. A photo puzzle of family members is something he can put together again and again. A custom blanket will keep him warm, literally surrounded by pictures of his family. Lastly, he’ll enjoy a photo book with simple text next to images of friends, family, and events.

Virtual Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do some activities. Luckily, we can still visit museums, as well as “touring” other countries, via virtual means. You can visit museums, theme parks, and tourist attractions around the world, without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Reminisce

Another great activity for those with dementia is to spend time with them watching movies or listening to music from their era. This can be done together in person or via phone or video call. You can also read his favorite book or have him read it to you.

Final Thought

Your loved one will enjoy and appreciate any amount of time you can spend with him. Whether virtually or in person, make his day special. Remember…sometimes it’s the smallest things that mean the most of all.