Parents bring you into the world, giving you life and raising you to be the person you are. They also do that for your spouse, the person of your dreams. Fathers play a truly unique role in that experience, and that’s why we celebrate National Father-in-Law Day every July 30th. There are plenty of ways to celebrate your Dad-in-Law — the best is to simply let him know you care.
National Father-in-Law Day - History
1840
Royal In-Laws
European monarchs Christian IX of Denmark and Nicholas I of Montenegro become known as the the "Fathers-in-Law of Europe" because all of their children married foreign princes and princesses.
Unknown
Mysterious Origin Theory #1
Some believe an online greeting card company started this day to boost sales.
Unknown
Mysterious Origin Theory #2
Others believe an envious father-in-law began this day in response to Mother-in-Law Day.
National Father-in-Law Day Activities
1. Send him a card.
This one's easy enough, especially if you can't be with him on this special day. There are lots of cards out there now to choose from with father-in-law messages from the heart. Or if you're crafty you can make your own!
2. Take part in one of his favorite things with him.
If you're able to hang out with your father-in-law, it's a great opportunity to treat him, whether it's to dinner, a ball game, a fishing trip, playing cards, or going to the movies.
3. Above all — bond with him.
Being together with anyone to show that you care is a gesture like no other. And there's a lot to gain when you share time and talk with your father-in-law — the guy who raised the person you love most.
5 Famous People With Famous Fathers-In-Law
1. Thomas Mann, father-in-law of W.H. Auden
Auden married German writer Erika Mann to get her a British passport to flee Nazi Germany
2. Jerome Kern, father-in-law of Artie Shaw
Big-band leader Shaw was married to pioneering composer Kern's daughter.
3. Cecil B. De Mille, father-in-law of Anthony Quinn
"Zorba the Greek" actor Quinn was married to De Mille's adopted daughter Katherine for 38 years.
4. Red Foley, father-in-law of Pat Boone
Singer Boone married Country Music Hall of Famer Red Foley's daughter Shirley.
5. Kirk Douglas, father-in-law of Catherine Zeta-Jones
Actress Zeta-Jones married Kirk's son Michael in 2000.
Why We Love National Father-in-Law Day
A. It's a great way to honor an elder.
As someone who's experienced life before you, and likely in tougher times, your father-in-law is someone you can easily value — even if there are sometimes bumps in your relationship with him.
B. It shows your spouse that you care.
The person you love and care for the most was raised by someone who instinctually loved and cared for them. Celebrating the role your father-in-law played in your spouse's life is a beautiful way to deepen your bond with your husband or wife.
C. The relationship is worth it in so many ways.
As humans, we have a lot to share with each other, and you don't have to see eye-to-eye with your father-in-law to know that your relationship can be a potential source of wisdom and insight into your own life.
