Celebrating Father’s Day & it’s flaws.
In Australia the first Father’s Day was celebrated in the 1930s. It seems this September date was chosen to make sure there was space either side of Mother’s Day and Christmas so that people could spend money on all three. So how do we deal with a holiday that was so obviously created to make us buy more stuff? And how do we honour people on this day who have a bad relationship with their father, have no father, are struggling to be a father or are a father but have lost a child?
We started Threshold because we strongly believe that there are moments in life that need to be acknowledged and celebrated.
We fully understand that this day is painful for many people and can reignite grief each and every year. If you struggle at this time of year or know people who find this day hard, we highly recommend spending some time over at the beautiful Refuge in Grief website. Megan Devine’s compassionate writing honours the hurt and pain that so many of us live with: “Grief has no expiration date” and that Father’s Day “seriously sucks for so many people. So many ways to be father-less, so many ways to be in pain as a father.”
It is worth taking time to reflect on this tension in Mother’s or Father’s Day. In spite of the many flaws, we hope that these days can be reclaimed as times to hold some of this complexity in our families and communities. We hope that there can be space to acknowledge the joys and sorrows of fatherhood and the many challenges facing all of us as we navigate relationships with our own parents or those we are parenting.
If you are a family with young kids and are looking for some meaningful ways to celebrate the Dad of the house, (that don’t involve buying more crap) we’ve put together a little list below:
1. TAKE DAD TO A SPECIAL SPOT:
Pack a picnic full of Dad’s favourite foods. While you’re getting ready, make a treasure map to show him the way to go. Take him to a special place you remember going with him, it might be out into the bush or to the beach, up a hill or your favourite tree. When you arrive read him a special note you’ve written or read this gorgeous picture book together, ‘The Lost Dads Home’ available at our favourite bookshop Squishy Minnie. The book celebrates the fact that Dads come in many shapes and sizes, but there is one who is perfect for you. Imagine reading it together while sipping tea from a thermos in the bush.
It’s what memories are made of.
2. HAVE A DANCE PARTY
Get some torches and turn off the lights for a Dad Disco. We’ve created a Dad-focussed Spotify playlist to make sure the tunes keep coming. Maybe even take the opportunity to ask your Dad how to headbang.
3. HIDE & GO SLEEP - A TREASURE HUNT FOR DAD
As a new Australian company, Threshold creates experiences that connect people at life’s big moments. Our products are designed to make space, rather than take it up. For the first time this Father’s Day, we’ve created a treasure hunt that playfully honours what you love about the Dad in your house. Hide and Go Sleep can be ordered on our website in time for delivery by D Day.