Comedian Henry Youngman said, “I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up — they have no holidays.” Sigmund Freud was right to say, “There is a grain of truth in every joke.”

According to my calculations, when you combine Australia’s national holidays with New South Wales holidays, 58% of our holidays have Christian origins.  I am including Anzac Day in the mix because it was started by a group of mainly Christians in Brisbane, led by Rev John Garland, an Anglican minister.

Sadly, this has been largely forgotten, but for many Australians, Anzac Day is the most sacred day of the year and very worthy of a Holy-Day.

I also included Boxing Day on the list of Christian holidays because, without Christmas Day, we would not have Boxing Day. Furthermore, the Boxing Day holiday has strong Christian roots, where traditionally, it was a day for church people and wealthy people to give to the poor.

Our concept of holidays, and the need for rest, goes right back to biblical times. In any given year, the Israelites had several periods where they abstained from work for both spiritual and recreational purposes. Even God had to abstain from work and rest on the Seventh Day. How much more should we?

Reset

We are right in the middle of celebrating the Easter holidays, which always come up as a welcome watering hole of rest and recreation for fathers and families.

“What has this got to do with me as a father, and why is it important?” you ask.

Holidays are very important for fathers and families. There is something profoundly spiritual about holidays. They serve as more than mere dates on the calendar; they represent cherished moments for fathers and families to come together, bond, and create lasting memories.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where work commitments and other responsibilities often take precedence, holidays offer a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones.

Here are five reasons why holidays are indispensable for fathers and families:

1. First and foremost, holidays provide a designated time for fathers to prioritise their families. In a world where demands on time seem ever-increasing, carving out moments solely for familial connections becomes essential. It could be as simple as using the occasion to go to church as a family and gathering around the dinner table for a meal afterwards. It could be embarking on a vacation, or engaging in holiday-themed activities. Such shared experiences foster deeper bonds between fathers and their children. It allows fathers to demonstrate their commitment and love through quality time spent together.
2. Moreover, holidays offer a break from the routine and monotony of daily life. For fathers juggling work, household responsibilities, and personal pursuits, the constant demands can lead to burnout and stress. Holidays provide a much-needed respite, allowing fathers to unwind, recharge, and focus on what truly matters – their families. Stepping away from the usual routine enables fathers to be fully present and engaged with their children, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
3. Furthermore, holidays serve as opportunities for fathers to instil important values and traditions within their families. Whether it’s passing down cultural customs, sharing stories from their own childhood, or participating in celebrations of faith that underpin so much of our civilisation. Holidays also provide a platform for fathers to impart wisdom and nurture a sense of belonging and identity within their families. These traditions not only strengthen familial bonds but also provide a sense of continuity and stability across generations.
4. Importantly, holidays promote communication and emotional connection within families. In today’s fast-paced world, meaningful conversations can often take a backseat amidst the noise of daily life. Holidays encourage open dialogue, allowing fathers and their children to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive and nurturing environment. Whether it’s reminiscing about past holidays, discussing hopes and dreams for the future, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments of connection are invaluable for fostering emotional intimacy and understanding within families.
5. Additionally, holidays provide fathers with opportunities for personal growth and reflection. As fathers navigate the complexities of parenthood and strive to be positive role models for their children, holidays offer a chance to pause and evaluate their parenting journey. Whether it’s setting intentions for the upcoming year, reflecting on past successes and challenges, or simply expressing gratitude for the blessings in their lives, holidays serve as occasions for fathers to reaffirm their commitment to their families and celebrate the joys of fatherhood.

In conclusion, holidays play a crucial role in strengthening bonds between fathers and their children. From providing opportunities for quality time and relaxation to fostering communication and personal growth, holidays offer a multitude of benefits that enrich the lives of fathers and their loved ones. As we celebrate these special occasions, let us cherish the moments we share with our families.

Let us recognise the profound impact that holy-days have in our rest and recreation and nurturing the bonds that unite us.

Lovework

Tony Miller, who started Dads in Distress, often used to say to me. “Warwick, we are human beings, not human doings.”

Enjoy the moments of your holy-days with your family, because when you live in the moment, you won’t miss a thing.

Yours for Happy Family Holy-Days,
Warwick Marsh

PS: The Men’s Leadership Summit, to be held 9-11 August, has extended its Early Bird rates a further two weeks until midnight Sunday 14 April. More info here. You can register here. Group discounts are available.

Sign up for the next Courageous Online Fathering Course (starting 30 April) here.

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Photo by Andy Barbour.