The Surprisingly Touching Tradition Behind Father’s Day

Ah, Father’s Day. That magical time of year when dads across the country get an exciting gift they didn’t ask for, usually in the shape of a novelty mug or a suspiciously thick pair of socks. What my Dad wants is a new Porsche.  What he’s going to get is a Kneepal-kneeler.

Father’s Day. It’s a day when burnt toast and lukewarm tea are lovingly delivered in bed, and everyone pretends not to see Dad quietly eyeing the football scores on his phone.

But where did this glorious celebration of dad jokes, BBQs, and bad aftershave come from? Let’s take a break from panic-buying a card from the supermarket and dig into the surprisingly rich (and slightly chaotic) history of Father’s Day.

A Daughter, a War Vet, and a Brilliant Idea

Contrary to popular belief, Father’s Day wasn’t invented by a greetings card company—although they’ve definitely made the most of it. The modern version of the day traces back to the United States in the early 1900s, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd decided that fathers deserved a day of recognition too.

Sonora’s dad, William Jackson Smart, was a single father who raised six children on his own after his wife passed away. Basically, he was an early 1900s version of a superdad, minus the matching T-shirt. Inspired by the newly established Mother’s Day, Sonora pushed for a similar day for fathers—and in 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington.

The idea caught on very slowly—probably because fathers everywhere were too modest (or too distracted fixing something in the shed) to make a fuss. But eventually, in 1972, Father’s Day became an official holiday in the U.S. under President Nixon. Only 62 years late. No rush, lads.

How the UK Got Involved in Father’s Day and their traditions

Like many things—Halloween, fast food, and calling autumn “fall”—the UK eventually adopted Father’s Day from the U.S. We now celebrate it on the third Sunday in June, often with a mix of love, sarcasm, and a last-minute gift from Argos.

Unlike Mother’s Day, which is linked to the Christian calendar in the UK, Father’s Day here is purely secular. That means no religious roots, just good old-fashioned dad appreciation (and maybe a new screwdriver set if he’s lucky).

Father’s Day Around the World (Yes, It’s Global)

It’s not just the UK and U.S. that celebrate dads. Across the world, different countries have their own spin:

• In Spain and Italy, it’s on March 19, tied to St. Joseph’s Day—because if anyone deserved sainthood, it’s the bloke who raised Jesus.

• In Germany, Father’s Day (Vatertag) often involves hiking with beer wagons, which honestly sounds like something British dads would fully support.

So while the date and customs vary, the general message is the same: dads matter—even if they don’t always say it out loud (unless they’ve hit their thumb with a hammer).

What We Actually Do on Father’s Day

Modern Father’s Day is a charming blend of heartfelt sentiment and mild chaos. Here’s how it usually goes:

• Kids burst in with a handmade card covered in glue and glitter that will haunt the carpet for months.

• Dad gets breakfast in bed—but only eats half because the toast is cold and the tea is oddly salty.

• Presents are opened, ranging from the thoughtful (“a book about his favourite hobby!”) to the questionable (“a singing fish plaque? Really?!”).

• A BBQ is attempted, regardless of the weather. Rain, wind, or hail—nothing stops a dad with tongs in his hand.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without at least one terrible dad joke. (“I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.”)

Why It Still Matters (Even If Dad Pretends It Doesn’t)

Sure, your dad might act like Father’s Day isn’t a big deal. He’ll shrug and say, “Don’t go to any trouble.” But deep down, he appreciates the fuss—especially if it comes with a cold drink and a chance to control the TV remote for once.

Father’s Day is more than just a commercial holiday or an excuse to buy another “#1 Dad” mug. It’s a chance to recognise everything dads (and dad-like figures) do: the lifts, the DIY, the emotional support, the silent sacrifices, and yes, the endless supply of embarrassing puns.

Whether your dad is biological, step, adoptive, or just someone who’s always been there for you, it’s a day to say thanks—even if you say it with socks and a sausage roll.

Of course we recommend our good old Kneepal, and if there’s another infant on the way, well then, a Babypal is a given!

And then for the more daring, there’s the Father’s Day Brunch, and here are two great sites for recipes:

Father’s Day Brunch Recipes for Dad

• https://www.thepioneerwoman.com › meals-menus › fat…

• https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/g2473/fathers-day-brunch-recipes/

So go on—give your dad a hug, tell him you love him (quickly, before he makes it weird), and maybe let him win at something for once. After all, he’s probably been letting you win for years.