Father’s day memories

Father’s day is fast approaching, and even though I’m constantly reminded by my dad that ‘father’s day is every day’, it’s still nice to take one day to appreciate all the father figures we have in our lives, whether they are our biological fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, fathers-in-law or simply father figures or role models.

Father’s day in my house was always a fun sort of ‘holiday’. As with any celebratory occasion, everyone woke up early, we went to my parents room and had tea/coffee together before opening presents. Of course, Christmas was one of the exceptions to this rule because my brothers and I would usually get up at inhumane times to see what was left in our stockings. But for birthdays, fathers/mothers day and other holidays, we’d all gather together in our pyjamas first thing in the morning before my parents went to work and we went to school (unless it was a weekend. Then only my mom went to work).

As a child, one of my goals for gifts that I gave to my family was to always try and make homemade gifts. Call it my obsession with arts and crafts, an excuse to use glitter, or I liked the fact that I would be giving my family a ‘Tia Original’ that they could never replace or buy a replica of. Father’s day was no exception.

My dad each year would always get a homemade gift – sometimes a picture frame, sometimes a mug, sometimes a funky art project that not even I was sure what it was – and a card. Cards are a big deal for both my dad and I, as sometimes a thoughtful card can be a much better gift than just a random gift. I mean I love cards so much that I collect them – I have a giant box filled with cards from over the years, and my favourite ones get pinned on my whiteboard.

After presents had been given, we’d go downstairs and make breakfast that was bad for our cholesterol. Sometimes an English Breakfast style meal, or huge omelettes, or if we were feeling lazy some chocolate croissants from one of the nearby bakeries. I would then help my dad clean the kitchen, and sort out things around the house until it was time for our afternoon movie.

Our movie list when I was young was a bit more simplistic, mostly consisting of Pixar or Disney animations. Truth be told, it hasn’t expanded that much in the last decade, but it does have a few other options in it that aren’t animations. Although sometimes I think my dad loves watching a kids animation just as much, or more, than an action movie.

Lastly, we would always finish our day with a braai. What most of the world calls a barbeque, but something we in South Africa take to a whole new level. It’s a meal that is usually about 60% protein, including boerewors (a special South African sausage), lamb chops, chicken pieces, steak and whatever else you feel like cooking on that day. We supplement it with a tray of roast veggies, some sort of potato dish and a salad of whatever we could find in the fridge. And voila – father’s day draws to a close.

What are some of the ways that you celebrate Father’s day? Do you have any traditions for Father’s day or particular things you do? Let me know in the comments section!!

Also, in case anyone is looking for some more Father’s day inspiration, you can check out my post here for a last minute father’s day craft gift idea (I promise it is super easy if you’re struggling to find a gift for the father figure in your life) by clicking here.

Otherwise, I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week, and thank you so much for reading today’s blog post!

Lots of love

Blondey on a Mission xxx