We understand that celebrating Father’s Day without Dad can feel impossibly heavy. Everywhere you go, shops are filled with “World’s Best Dad” cards, gift sets, and adverts making your own heart ache as it reminds you once again, that your parent isn’t with you.
First of all, know that the whole team at Inscripture is so sorry for your loss and we know, first hand, that seeing the world celebrate something that is so heartbreaking to you, is incredibly difficult. It doesn’t matter whether you lost your Dad recently or years ago, Father’s Day without Dad never gets easier.
While we don’t claim to have a solution for making the holiday easier, we wanted to write a personal love letter to all of you experiencing grief right now. We hope here, you’ll find a place to land, a place you can come to for advice when you want help navigating this emotional day. So without further ado, here are some ways we hope you can find comfort this Father’s Day…
Still Write Him a Father’s Day Card
Even though he’s not here physically, writing your dad a card can be surprisingly comforting. Pouring your heart out onto paper, whether it’s sharing what you miss, updates on your life, or even just writing a love letter to him, can help you externalise grief and maintain your bond with him.
You can keep the card somewhere special for only you to find, place it by a photo in your home, leave it at his grave or destroy it as soon as you write it. It doesn’t matter, because it’s an act that’s for you and you alone, allowing you to continue your conversation with your Dad on Father’s Day.
Visit a Place That Was Special to Him
Spending part of the day at a location that held meaning for your dad can help you feel closer to him. It might be his favourite walking trail, a bench he liked to sit on, or even the garden he once tended with care.
Once there, you can just sit and be, breathing in the fresh air, reflecting on some of your favourite memories or even playing his favourite song. Sometimes, just being somewhere tied to his memory can ease the sharpness of a Father’s Day without Dad.
Cook His Favourite Meal and Raise a Glass in His Honour
Food can be powerfully nostalgic. If there was a dish your dad loved or was just really good at making himself, like his famous Sunday roast, a curry he couldn’t get enough of, or even a simple bacon sandwich, celebrate Father’s Day by cooking it in his honour.
You could also raise a glass of his favourite drink and toast to him. This simple act turns a painful day into a small celebration of who he was and the joy he brought into your life.
Spend the Day How He Would Have Liked To
For some, a beautiful way to find comfort on Father’s Day without Dad is to spend the day exactly how he would have liked if he was still here. Maybe he loved spending his Sunday afternoon watching the footie, listening to records, fishing or just pottering about with a DIY project.
Whatever he was into, consider dedicating part of the day to something he enjoyed. It might seem small, but in doing so, you invite him to walk beside you once again.
Talk About Him, To Everyone And Anyone
Grief often isolates us especially around “celebration” days. But talking about your dad with others like friends, family, or even online grief communities, can be incredibly healing.
Share a funny memory, a life lesson he taught you, or a picture that captures his essence. Or if talking about him yourself is still too difficult, invite others to share their stories instead. Keeping memories alive by speaking them out loud is one of the most powerful ways to spend Father’s Day without Dad.
Create a Piece of Dad Memorial Jewellery
Another way to feel close to your Dad on Father’s Day is to have a real piece of him with you. Memorial jewellery is perfect for this, as it’s created completely bespoke to you and your loved one, whether it’s a pendant that holds a small portion of his ashes or a charm engraved with his handwriting, fingerprint, or photo.
Here at Inscripture, we have a beautiful range of memorial jewellery you can choose from, from colourful resin ashes jewellery containing their remains to sleek silver and gold pieces discreetly engraved with personal details. On this Father’s Day without Dad, create something that helps you feel that he’s with you, not just in spirit, but really, truly by your side.
Give Yourself Permission to Grieve and Celebrate Your Way
Finally, and most importantly, remind yourself that there’s no correct way to get through Father’s Day without Dad. Maybe you want to spend it surrounded by family and stories or maybe you’d rather spend it alone under a blanket with his favourite film on in the background. Whatever your way looks like, that’s the right way. Grieve, celebrate and remember however feels right to you; that’s the most important thing to take away from this.
In Closing: Navigating Father’s Day Without Dad
We know Father’s Day without Dad will never feel quite the same again. And we’re so, so sorry for that. But we hope this blog has offered a small spark of comfort, some gentle ideas on what to do on Father’s Day after loss and the reminder that his memory and your love will never, ever fade.
