MAIN Home Life Holidays Father's Day Guide 2012 - June 17

The first observance of Father's Day is believed to have been held on June 19, 1910 as a result of the efforts of Sonora Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, who was inspired by her father, William Smart, a widower and Civil War veteran, who had single-handedly raised all six of his children.

Soon, the idea of Father's Day caught on throughout the rest of the country to became an unofficial US holiday, However, it would be decades before President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation in 1966 designating the third Sunday in June to be Father's Day, and it only became a national holiday when President Nixon signed the official proclamation in 1972.

Today, Father's Day is celebrated in various ways and on different days around the world. The German tradition for honoring fathers, for example, is on Ascension Day in May (with lots of wine and beer!) and in some Roman Catholic countries St. Joseph's Day on March 19 is the customary day to honor all fathers. In Russia, fathers are customarily honored on "Defender of the Fatherland Day" on February 23.

Worldwide - from the US, Canada, and Europe to countries as far-flung as China and Zimbabwe. - the third Sunday in June remains the most traditional day to celebrate Father's Day. In 2012, Father's Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 17.

Just up ahead, discover more information on the history of Father's Day along with Father's Day gift ideas for honoring dads and fathers on their special day, including tips and instructions on homemade crafts projects, song lists, poems and tributes ...

The Top 10 Easy Father's Day Crafts

Creative, fast, fun...and with split-second instructions. So simple...kids can create great Father's Day gifts that they made all by themselves!

Creative Father's Day Gifts

Coming up with a Father's Day gift that's different is a challenge. These simple steps will give you the edge you need to create a fantastic gift ensemble....

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life

Tempted to give up and get the old standby Father's Day gifts? Here's a little inspiration to get you on the road to the perfect gift for him...

More about Father's Day around the Web

Father's Day on the Net - A complete guide to the holiday with history, fun facts and trivia, gift suggestions, party recipes, craft projects and coloring pages.

Father's Day at e-How - How to celebrate Father's Day with featured articles to more on Father's celebrations, ideas for choosing and making gifts, remembering your dad, related crafts, including what to get step dads and more...

Father's Day - The History Channel - Great round-up of fun facts, history and trivia of the day including famous dads, related videos, photos.

Father's Day - Wikipedia - How it's observed around the planet covering traditions and gift-giving customs, a complete list of dates when it is celebrated in different countries, with related photos and resources.