Family Day in Canada

Introduction

Let's admit, life is hectic these days. We can barely spend quality time with our loved ones. As such Family Day comes as a lovely opportunity. It is an unique event meant to be spent with your family. It encourages individuals to stop, reconnect, and make lifelong memories together. While many nations celebrate Family Day on different days, the lesson is still the same that family is vital.

Key Takeaways

1. Family Day in Canada is celebrated on the third Monday in February every year.
2. Although most provinces observe on this date, a few places observe the day on different dates or for different occasion.
3. You can do lots of different family day activities, plan family day trips, go out together or have a cozy story time at home with your family to make the most of the day. 

What Is Family Day?

Family Day honors the value of close ties within families. This is a time to value spouse, children, parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and extended relatives. While some nations mark it explicitly as an official national holiday, others only commemorate it informally. 

Family Day was introduced as a breather for families as it gives you a long weekend before Easter and after New Year's celebrations.

Families spend this day doing several things such dining together, playing games, or just hanging out. This Heritage Day encourages everyone to value family, welcome customs, and honor the love that ties the family together. 

Brief History Of Family Day In Canada

Lieutenant Governor Helen Hunley first introduced Family Day Act in Alberta in 1990. Other provinces adopted the holiday over time. Saskatchewan unveiled "Family Days" in 2007; Ontario followed in 2008, and British Columbia in 2013. British Columbia, unlike others, started observing it on the second Monday of February. However, from 2019 they also celebrate Family Day on the third Monday.

Some provinces observe this day for some other reasons with their own name. Such as Islander Day on Prince Edward Island and Louis Riel Day in Manitoba and Heritage Day in Yukon and Nova Scotia. Though not all provinces celebrate Family Day, the third Monday of February has been generally celebrated as Heritage Day throughout Canada. 

While some provinces grant the day off to government employees, others only non-federal workers get. Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, for example, qualified workers get at least nine public holidays with paid time including Family Day.

When Is Family Day?

When is Family Day in Canada? Well, it depends on which province you are talking about. Majority of the Canadian provinces observe it on the third Monday of February as a regional statutory holiday. Some regions have their own versions.

Family Day Future Dates

What To Do On Family Day?

There are several ways to maximize this unique opportunity whether you want a relaxing vacation or plan a day out. Here are some fantastic ideas.

1. Plan a family day outing

Plan a Family Day Out. Simply visit a neighborhood park, walk, or have an outdoor picnic. You can also go for special family day activities arranged nearby. Enjoying time with your family should be the main focus of family day out. So make sure your day out plan is enjoyable for everyone in the family.

2. Discover Local Events

Many provinces mark Heritage Day with Family Day events. You can have a rewarding visit to historical sites, museums, or cultural activities. Certain towns plan parades, storytelling events, and shows stressing their own customs. Learning about history together with family can be an interesting experience.

3. Do Something Fun

If you and your family love taking on different activities and sports, then you can plan a Family Day full of fun. Plan a board game marathon, make a favorite meal together, or plan a movie night with some classics. If the conditions permit, think of ice skating, sledding, or a friendly soccer game. Best part? You can do all these in the comfort of your home.

4. Travel for Family Day

Family Day Trips are another option to make the best of the holiday. Visit a winter resort for snowboarding or skiing, go to a local beach, see a national park. Or just take a road trip and sing country songs with family.

5. Get Inspired by Art Activities

Celebrating Family Day would be much enhanced by participating in artistic activities. Painting, creating, or DIY projects inspire creativity and collaboration. Families can make greeting cards, paint photo frames, or create scrapbooks packed with personal memories. These events create meaningful keepsakes and help to deepen relationships.

6. Attend a Family Day Event in Your Neighborhood

Family day events honoring Local Family Day provide a range of entertainment choices. Many villages host concerts, outdoor festivals, and children’s activities. Participating in these activities brings families together and gives unique experiences that aren’t part of ordinary living.

7. Cook and Enjoy a Special Meal Together

Have a special family recipe? This might be the best day to cook it and enjoy with your family. Even if you don't have traditional family recipe, baking cookies or making any meal can be a very engaging activity for the day.

8. Support the Community

Celebrating Family Day is often enhanced by family volunteering. Think about helping at a community event, visiting a nearby shelter, or volunteering in a soup kitchen. The day will significantly become more memorable when youngsters learn compassion and charity from their family members.

9. Organize Family Storytelling Night

Sit together and share old family stories, read stories from books, or write a fresh story collectively. This is a lovely way to spend the evening reminiscing.

10. Create a Family Time Capsule

One interesting way to celebrate Family Day is by making a time capsule. Sort little objects, write letters to future selves, or incorporate images from the Heritage Day. Store or bury the capsule to open it several years from now. This is a great way to preserve memories for next generations. Creating a time capsule promotes contemplation and lifelong connection.

11. Send a Message

If you are unable to celebrate this special day with your family make sure you let them know that you are thinking about them with kind heartfelt words.

Conclusion

Family Day is an opportunity to show how much your family means to you. So, plan it nicely and create lifelong memories to cherish on this day.