Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Celebrate dear ol’ Dad, even at a distance
Like a handful of holidays that came before it, Father’s Day in 2020 will be different. Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, restrictions and social distancing guidelines will influence how people celebrate Father’s Day in Northwest Arkansas.
According to the most recent census data and statistics, there are 72 million fathers and father figures in the United States. Social distancing may have become the new normal, but it doesn’t mean your special guy can’t still get top billing on Father’s Day. As evidenced by holidays that have already taken place amidst social distancing guidelines, with some creative thinking, you can make the day fun and memorable. Here are some ideas:
· Turn to social apps. Virtual meeting applications, like Zoom, Skype and FaceTime provide invaluable opportunities to speak and connect faceto-face when in-person gatherings are not possible. They also can be used to break bread together or to play games or relay stories.
· Deliver gifts. Seniors and people who have compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting contagious illnesses. While it may be tempting to visit your father or grandfather in person, even a short visit could put his health at risk. Instead, leave gifts outside the house.
For added fun, hide the gifts and provide scavenger hunt clues.
· Tackle his chores. Provide Dad a weekend off from his normal tasks around the house if they are within your skill set. Volunteer to mow the lawn, weed the garden, or wash the car. You also may want to help him finish a project he started but hasn’t yet completed.
· Game day. It’s a tradition in many families to take Dad to a ballgame on Father’s Day. But many sports leagues have been forced to shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while even those that have returned to action are doing so without fans in the stands. But that doesn’t mean Dad still can’t enjoy a game outdoors this Father’s Day. If there’s room in the backyard, set up a television outdoors, make some snacks and stream a classic game (many sports channels have compensated for no live action by broadcasting classic games from years past). For apartment dwellers, charge up a tablet, take Dad to a local park and let him relax as he streams a ballgame.
· "Go" golfing. While many golf courses in Northwest Arkansas are open, competition for tee times may be steep, especially on Father’s Day. But that doesn’t mean Dad can’t still play a round of golf. Moms and kids can turn their yards into a mini golf course for Dad. Use beach buckets to create sand traps and create makeshift flags to mark each “green.” Then take turns serving as Dad’s caddies as he traverses his very own course.
· Dine "out" at home. A reservation at Dad’s favorite restaurant might not be possible this Father’s Day, but that doesn’t mean the family can’t replicate the experience at home. Try to recreate Dad’s favorite meal from the restaurant he loves or see if that restaurant offers curbside pickup. Transform the dining table into a restaurant table, or take the meal outdoors on the patio or deck for some al fresco fun. Let kids serve as the wait staff.
· Spend time together. One of the silver linings of social distancing is the opportunity for family members who reside under one roof to have more uninterrupted time together. Chances are having the kids nearby and sharing some stories and laughs together will be a perfect way for Dad to enjoy Father’s Day.
Father’s Day 2020 will be different than any other. But there are many ways to make it one Dad will remember for all the right reasons.