Published Friday, June 19, 2020

How to celebrate Father's Day
in times of pandemic


By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

For this Father's Day, the authorities of the Ministry of Health and Social Security make a call to people to avoid visiting the elderly because this increases the risk of covid-19 infections in people with obvious health risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other chronic diseases characteristic of the age.

"It is a big sacrifice, yes, but it should also be assumed as necessary in times of pandemic," said Mario Ruiz, medical manager of Social Security. "It is better to show love, respect and joy in other ways."

Because social distancing must still be maintained, authorities recommend substituting the traditional celebratory visit for Father's Day to a phone call or video call.

The writer Amanda Garrity gives a series of tips for people who still live with their father, to celebrate creatively.

On a typical Father's Day, you might celebrate the father figures in your life with a fun cookout, tickets to a baseball game, or even a visit to a theme park.

This year, however, is different than most due to the coronavirus outbreak. While some states have lifted their stay-at-home orders, many local businesses are still not up-and-running, which means it's harder to follow your normal traditions like Father's Day brunch at his favorite restaurant or a matinee showing at the nearby theater.

Still, your special guy, dads, grandpas, fathers-in-law, uncles, and so forth, deserve to be celebrated in a big way, which is why we've rounded up a number of Father's Day ideas that are appropriate for quarantine.

So, if you're already hunkered down at home with your dad, then browse through this list for ways to make your at-home holiday feel like a celebration while still adhering to social distancing guidelines.

But, if you aren't able to spend Father's Day together in real life, consider some of the virtual options you can enjoy even if you're physically apart.

Either way, all of these ideas will make the man in your life feel loved and appreciated, which is just what he needs right about now.

Serve a hearty brunch
Start his day with a feast fit for a king, complete with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a build-your-own bagel spread. Round out the meal with a morning cocktail because it's a holiday after all (as if you needed an excuse).

Plan a family game night
If he's a stickler about screen time, give dad what he wants this Father's Day: quality bonding time with the whole family. Once you convince everyone to step away from their screens, battle it out over a few board games, or see how well you can work together with complicated jigsaw puzzles. Just let dad pick which game he wants to start with.

Organize a beer tasting
Just because he can't hit up his favorite craft brewery, doesn't mean he can't enjoy their offerings in the comfort of his own home. Pick up a beer tasting flight in advance, and then pour a mix of lagers, ales, and I.P.A.s from local breweries. That way, you can support local businesses while helping him discover new favorites.

Host an outdoor movie night
Drive-in movie theaters are great and all, but can you snuggle up in your PJs and roast s'mores while you watch the movie? Exactly. Shine a projector against a blank wall, and pick one of dad's favorite movies to watch. For a true theater experience, serve popcorn, candy, and a special after-hours drink for your number 1 guy.

Laugh your way through Netflix's comedy specials
Even if you can't go to an actual comedy show, you can still laugh your day away with some of today's top comics. You're guaranteed to find something on Netflix that'll give him a good chuckle, no matter if he prefers the comedic stylings of John Mulaney, Trevor Noah, Adam Sandler, or Wanda Sykes (or all of the above).

Steal his heart with sweets
The only thing sweeter than your relationship with dad is the Father's Day cake that you'll make him. Find one that best matches his flavor preferences, and then dress it up with decorations that suit his interests.

Learn something new together
It's true: Your dad is never too old to learn new tricks. Sign him up for online classes taught on sports, movies, television, cooking, gardening, photography, among others.

Check places off your bucket list
Your vacation plans may be on hold, but there are still so many ways you can explore the magnificent wonders of the world. Take a virtual trip across the pond to explore the sights and sounds of The Louvre in Paris, Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, or The British Museum in London. If he'd rather keep it stateside, bring out his inner child with a tour of Walt Disney World, including firework displays and virtual rides.

Pitch a tent in your backyard
Especially if his kids are too young to make it through a night at the campsite, consider setting up a tent in your backyard for a similar experience. It's a win for everyone. He can enjoy the fun that camping brings, ghost stories, campfires, and sleeping bag snuggles, but the whole family can head inside if it gets too cold or uncomfortable outside.

Revisit the best games in sports history
Like everything else, most sporting events are on pause for the foreseeable future. But if he's the type to hunker down in front of the TV and watch his team on Father's Day, then track down their best games for an all-day marathon. Just make sure the marathon ends on a winning note for dad's sake ... and yours.

The author, Amanda Garrity writes for Good Housekeeping Magazine. More of her article can be found at the magazine website.




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What tips do you give to celebrate Father's Day during the pandemic?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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