Published May 29, 2025
It’s right around the corner, two and half weeks away. Are you mentally prepared? I bet many of you want to opt out of this day, to skip it entirely. I know the feeling. What once was a joyous occasion has now become one of dread.
Whether you recently lost your husband, your father, or you are going through a divorce and you’re worried about your children, Father’s Day is not going to be easy. The reality is that this is now our new normal.
Although we can’t delete the day from the calendar, there are things we can do to minimize the pain. Don’t let it catch you off guard. If you haven’t yet, start planning now.
I’ve found that it is extremely helpful to not be home that particular day. For my family, we go out of town and find it healing to be near a beach. The hustle and bustle of kids running around in the sand, going out to eat with sun-kissed skin and sandals, being around happy vacationers….I find that we almost forget it’s Father’s Day.
If you can plan a quick trip, maybe a 3-day weekend covering Father’s Day, it will help. A week-long trip or more will be even better, but I realize that it may not be possible for everyone or to do this every single year.
If you aren’t able to escape out of town, then try to have the day planned with fun-filled activities. Some ideas might include taking the kids to an amusement park and spending the day on fun rides, eating fast food, and feeling the exhilaration of those thrill rides! You could also spend the day enjoying your favorite activity and then head to your favorite restaurant for dinner afterwards. Pick an activity you really enjoy doing. Maybe it’s hiking, boating, or golfing. Or perhaps you want to have a little (or big!) party at your house. How about a cookout? You’ll be busy being a hostess with the preparations and food, all the while enjoying the company. The time will fly by.
I think you get the idea. Plan something, stay busy. At the end of the day, you’ll be so proud of yourself! Toast your beloved and honor them, then toast yourself for getting through the day!
Additionally, there are some smaller tasks which can help. Stay off social media, and opt out of marketing emails. There will be many posts from friends near and far with their picture-perfect families, showcasing dads with their kids. It can be tough to see after a recent loss, so stop scrolling! Of course, we wish them all well but at the same time we need to protect our own emotional wellness. Also, companies are getting pretty good about recognizing that this day isn’t a joyous one for everybody so they offer an “opt out of emails” message. You can click on a link to unsubscribe from all Father’s Day emails. In fact, for businesses it’s not just a day but it can be a few weeks long, almost like a season, so it’s nice to not be receiving those reminders.
Although everyone deals with grief differently, I strongly believe that it can be detrimental to lay around the house all day. You have to get out of bed, force yourself to shower and get ready, and attack the day with vigor and energy. Get into that positive mindset! You can do this!
Thinking of Father’s Day as “just a day” has helped me. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think of the reality that I no longer have my husband and my kids don’t have their dad here with all of us. We try to honor Matt every single day, we don’t need Father’s Day to call it out.
Healing after loss is possible and very attainable! If you are intentional about seeking inner peace, finding joy in the daily moments of life, then Father’s Day will just be another day on the calendar. You’ve got this. I believe in you! If you would like additional support, please message me at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com. I personally respond to every email. For further inspiration, find me on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living, and please feel free to comment below.