The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington in 1910. A woman Sonora Dodd wanted to honor her father who raised her and her five siblings by himself after his wife died in childbirth. In 1972, the president of the United States established Father’s Day. In recent years researchers have determined that Sonora was correct in wanting to honor fathers. Fathers have a significant impact upon their children.

According to recent polls and academic researchers it doesn’t really matter what you get your dad for Father’s Day because what he really wants is to spend time with his family. So this year plan to make Father’s Day great for the fathers in your life by celebrating Father’s Day with them. Here are some ideas of how you could celebrate Father’s Day and spend your time together.

If you are an only child think about what your dad likes to do and then plan to spend the day together. You might go golfing or take in the latest action show. You could always take a bike ride together or just drive in the car and talk, ending it of course with some ice cream or dinner.

Most men love food and fathers are no different. Gather around the table and enjoy some great family time. Consider serving dad’s favorite foods on his special day. In our family my husband is the only one who likes blueberry pie, yet I always make him one every Father’s Day, the kids and I eat ice cream. My children also like to help make dad’s favorite breakfast, German pancake with whipped cream and peaches. I also usually serve barbeque ribs or steak and Dutch oven potatoes, because my husband loves them.

If you have more than one sibling you can’t expect to have dad all to yourself so plan something everyone can enjoy. Have a family game day where you play board games or outdoor games like soccer or volleyball.

If you have a family of your own and need to help your children honor your husband, dinner with dad is probably enough for celebrating Father’s Day. You can always issue him an invitation to spend time later. When choosing what to do consider what hobbies or places your dad really likes. If your dad loves the outdoors plan a camping or fishing trip. Check with mom to make sure he's available, make the reservations, and then issue him an invitation to the event on Father's Day. If he is a sports fanatic buy a pair of tickets to a sporting event and join dad for the event. Maybe there is a movie coming out that you would both enjoy. Present your father with a pair of movie tickets and see the movie together.

Whatever you choose to do remember that is was fathers themselves that said the biggest thing they wanted was more time with their family, so this year celebrate Father’s Day by giving him your time.