Trying to make Father’s Day special from a distance? Whether you’re forced to travel far from home this Father’s Day or are wishing you could be closer to your own father this year, you know how hard it can be to stay close to your kids (or parents!) when life puts miles between family. These tips offer simple ideas to stay in touch with your family even when you’re miles from home.
When you’re far from home, your ability to work family situations to your advantage is limited. One thing you always have on hand, though? The element of surprise! Father’s Day is traditionally a day for families to say thank-you to their dads. But that doesn’t mean it’s not also an acute reminder that your own kids are far away on Father’s Day weekend. Take the chance to use your knowledge of your family’s expectations and routines to surprise them–whether that means Saturday morning Skype session, an unexpected phone call from time zones away, or even flowers and candy–flowers for your kids’ mom (who’s acting as both mother and father while you’re away) and candies for the kids. It might seem like a backwards way to spend Father’s day, but if you’re missing your family, nothing beats the opportunity to surprise them with a little unexpected love.
Even if you’ve been grown and out of the house for a couple of decades, chances are good your dad is thinking about you this Father’s Day. Take the time to get in touch with your dad or send him a gift. If your dad’s a foodie, think about picking up something for him from your current business travel locale. In Seattle? Pick up a bag of specialty coffee beans. Spending a week or two overseas? Get your father something that will make him smile, whether that’s a goofy tee-shirt from an airport gift shop, a coffee mug to add to the collection, or a special bottle of vintage. Even if you don’t get a chance to mail it before Father’s Day weekend, choose a gift and write a note or, even better, give your dad a call, and mail your package when you have an opportunity.
Sometimes you don’t have many options to make a hectic work trip more enjoyable. But finding ways to schedule some down time this Father’s Day can make a big difference in your contentment levels–and your ability to bring your best self to the table when you go back to work. Take a Royal Coachman sedan to the hotel from the airport. Take the time to enjoy room service or a nice meal, rather than take-out. Spend a few hours enjoying your destination, even if it’s not one you would have chosen. Sometimes those little things make all the difference.
Posted in: Holidays