Father's day for father

Father's Day. The day the world celebrates fatherhood. Does it call for celebration? Yes...but with a difference. Usually, on other festive days, it is your dad who does all the groundwork—putting up the decorations, buying the goodies, and generally ensuring that you have a great time. But this is Father's Day—His day. And so, this time, it is up to you to make it a special day for him.

Yes, it may seem difficult at first. Because generally it is dad's department to think about others; to plan and organise things to make everyone happy. He is after all, the provider. And, in any case, what can you give your dad, who may have given you everything you have? Well, here are some things that you can do.

Pamper your dad

Usually it is your dad who treats you like a little king. Today you can pamper him a bit. Surprise him by treating him to a scrumptious breakfast in bed. Make sure you include his favourite dishes. (You will probably need to brief mom about your plans in advance as you will need her help.) Include the morning newspaper in the breakfast tray, and for once, ensure that it is crisp and not crumpled- the way he likes to read it.

Let this be a Sunday with a difference. Do not monopolise the TV remote, skip the cartoons if you know he wants to watch another channel. You know how hard your dad works throughout the week. Do not choose his afternoon nap hour to blast the radio. And do not corner the phone so that he is compelled to beg you to let him use it.

Are there household chores your dad attends to, like bathing the dog, catching up on the gardening, washing the car, or shopping for supplies? Volunteer to take them on or at least help him with them. Also, for a change, let him decide the itinerary for the day ahead.

Make him a card

What is the best card you can give your dad? Something he will treasure long after you have even forgotten you gave it to him? Well, it would have to be one that you crafted with your own hands. All you will need is a piece of card paper, pens, pencils, and some creativity.

Write out a personal message for him. Never mind the prose, pour your heart out, and tell him why you think he is the best dad in the world. Remind him about special family occasions that you enjoyed or recount an incident when he did something that really touched you. Employ your drawing skills, stick in pictures from the family album, and embellish the card with ribbons or trinkets. And then watch him beam with pride as he shows off your card to all his friends.

Give him a gift

Buy your dad a special Father's Day gift. You know your dad best. Buy him something related to his hobbies or something he likes to do. If he loves to read, buy him a book that you know he will love.
If he is fond of photography, you can gift him a camera accessory or some film rolls.

Give him your time

We return to the original question, "What can you give your dad, who has given you everything you have?" Well, give him something he cannot give himself—your time and love.

Spend this one day with him, the way he would love to. If you have always been finding excuses to avoid playing chess with him, give him the pleasure of a game with you. Plan an outing to the newly opened gallery that he has been talking about. Postpone an evening out with your friends to accompany him to a gathering of his old friends across town.

If you find him giving you a puzzled look, father's day tell him today is his day after all, and that you want him to enjoy it as much as he can. Even if he acts completely nonchalant about it,