6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ON FATHER'S DAY IF YOU DON'T HAVE A FATHER TO CELEBRATE

​There are without a doubt millions of people who will be going into this weekend without a father or grandfather to celebrate. Because my father isn’t in my life anymore (by my own choice), and because my grandpa recently passed away this year, I am now one of those millions who may feel a little off this Father’s Day.
 
I do have an awesome father-in-law and grandfather-in-law to celebrate, and I suppose my brother and husband are both fathers to furry little friends. However, I know this is an issue that many deal with.
 
Today, I’ll be giving suggestions on how you can enjoy this holiday even if your father isn’t in the picture, or if you’ve lost the loved ones you would traditionally celebrate. Keep reading for more:

HONOR A FATHER FIGURE

​While we may not have an actual father or contact with our actual father, there is usually some person in our lives who holds a father figure position in our lives. Sometimes, that could be a close family friend, a person from church, or another family figure who has been there for you in place of your father or grandfather.

Take them out to lunch, buy them coffee, or send them a special card. Do something to celebrate them and thank them for being a father to the fatherless.

CELEBRATE THE LIVES OF FATHERS/GRANDFATHERS YOU HAVE LOST

This year may be particularly hard for me, but I’ve been kind of putting it out of my mind. My grandfather passed only a short time ago. Usually, we would spend the day with him. I can think of no better way to participate in the loving nature of Father’s Day than to remember someone who was a father to you.

This could be as simple as a tribute to them on social media, a family dinner, or spending time with members of your family who were also close with the person you lost.

ENGAGE YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE

I grew up without my dad in the home. However, because of my grandpa and my church ties, I didn’t feel that different. I don’t remember feeling like something was missing. Growing up and now, I have strong spirituality.

​I personally believe there is a God who knows me and loves me and is watching over me always.

​Religious spirituality might not be for you, but perhaps simply meditating and focusing on the intricacy of life and of yourself will help you engage your spiritual side. This can help you forget about the worries and anxieties that you associate with Father’s Day.  

INTERVIEW YOUR PARTNER IF YOU ARE CHILDLESS

Obviously, you would celebrate Father’s Day pretty normally if you have children and your husband or the father of your child is around. There’s someone to celebrate right there! But, I don’t actually have kids. 

​Both Jonathan and I would love to have children one day. If you know that you both want children, but you’re not sure when that is going to happen, you can always talk about your future children.

​Ask your partner what they would want to teach your child or what they think is the most important thing they learned from their father. The answers will not only help you learn even more about your partner, but will also help you understand what they’ll be like as a father!

GO SEE A MOVIE

Movies are great, and I can say pretty confidently that I don’t remember seeing any Father’s Day advertising in the theatre. Not saying that it won’t happen, but it is better than being stuck in front of the TV all day with a ton of Father’s Day ads running. On top of getting out of the house, you can see a ton of new movies that are out that look amazing. 

​These include the new Spider-Man movie, Men in Black: International, Dark Phoenix, Aladdin, Ma, and so many more. 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SALES

DON'T USE SHOPPING AS THERAPY! But, if you have self-control, you can catch up on shopping if you don't have anywhere to be this weekend!

​A lot of stores have special Father’s Day prices. Amazon, for example, has sales running for clothing, shoes, watches, jewelry, accessories, luggage, electronic gifts, famine, backyard items, tools, and auto. 

Good Housekeeping has actually gathered a list of sales happening at some of your favorite stores, both online and in person!