How to Celebrate Father's Day in Sweden

Father's Day in Sweden is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. This tradition goes back as far as 1930. It's celebrated with great enthusiasm. Follow these steps to celebrate Father's Day in Sweden.

Instructions

1. Kick start your Father's Day by serving him his favorite breakfast in bed. The breakfast may consist of cheese, ham, assorted breads, gröt (porridge), Smörgas (Swedish open faced sandwiches), filmjölk (sour-milk yogurt) and Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and whipped cream. Serve them with juices and tea or coffee.

2. Surprise your father with some beautiful, home-made cards. Make him realize how special and important he is in your life.

3. Plan a day trip or a picnic for your father and consider inviting your family along. Your time is the most precious thing you can give him on this day.

4. Go online and search for travel itineraries that can help you plan your picnic or day trip in Sweden. Check out the resources below to learn more about it.

5. Convey your gratitude for all the sacrifices that he has made for you. Let him know how much you appreciate all the love and care he has always shown to you.

6. Take him out for lunch in an elegant restaurant serving delicacies your father enjoys. Consider taking him to a restaurant serving traditional Swedish smorgasbord (a buffet including an array of delicacies).

7. Plan a homemade meal, which can be lunch or dinner and invite your father for it. Serve traditional Swedish recipes like Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs), Gravlax or Gravad lax (thin slices of salmon cured in salt, sugar and dill), and ärtsoppa (pea soup).

8. Serve uniquely Swedish desserts such as Ostkaka (Swedish cheesecake) or assorted Swedish pastries.

9. Include a bottle of Sweden's famous vodka or schnapps (aquavit) in your festivities.

10. Observe your dad's preferences with respect to his gift; give him one that he's unlikely to buy for himself. Keep his hobbies in mind before buying a gift. You can search and order a gift online (see Resources below).

11. Arrange a party in the evening inviting all the father figures in your life, including your grandfather, your teachers, elder brothers--even your first boss.

Tips & Warnings

• Always plan out the activities of father's day in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Keep in mind your dad's interest areas before planning out for the gift and outings. The same holds true for the food you serve.

• If your father has passed, pay tribute to him by giving to charity. The institution you select should work for a cause that was close to his heart.