This past weekend my wife was really on the ball. Father’s Day cards were made by the kids and ready to be presented to their amazing father. Videos of the kids saying happy Father’s Day were ready to be emailed to the grandfathers and godfathers. There even was a big note stuck to the computer reminding us to Skype all the patriarchs and wish them well. The first Skype call was made and to her surprise a chuckle was the response. “Well thanks, but Father’s Day is next weekend.” Whoops! The rest of the cyber-phone calls were canceled and the emails are on hold.
I guess it was better to be a week early than a week late.
Why such confusion?
Father’s Day is celebrated in both countries, just at different times. As you know, Father’s Day will be celebrated this Sunday in the US. However, I have to wait until the first Sunday in September to celebrate it here in Australia. As a side note, we were unaware of this fact last year, resulting in a rare double Father’s Day.
Oddly enough, Mother’s Day is observed on the same day in both countries.
Even odder are some of the other holidays they do celebrate in Australia. So far I have a favorite, and some that strike me as quirky that I thought I’d share.
The state of Tasmania has some, shall I say, unique holiday’s (see link below). There is a public holiday called the Burnie Show, as well as the Devonport, and Royal Hobart. Basically, it’s a day off to go to the fair. What a great idea! I should pass that idea along to the NYS Fair Director!
The state of Victoria actually has a holiday for a horse race. It’s called the Melbourne Cup. It’s like our Kentucky Derby or Belmont Stakes. But a public holiday for the ponies?!
What a brilliant idea. My father-in-law would love that one!
As a result of Australia being a Commonwealth the Queen the England’s birthday is observed. The unusual thing about this is that in Western Australia it is celebrated in September and in other Aussie states it is celebrated in June. Imagine if we celebrated Washington’s Birthday in two different months within the US.
My favorite holiday, which demonstrates the Australian spirit with much bravado, is Australia Day. As you might suspect, it’s along the lines of our 4th of July. It’s celebrated smack-dab in the middle of summer on January 26. From beer to barbeques to the beach, it is 100% Australian, and probably my favorite Aussie holiday. I don’t know why. I hold no personal, and certainly, patriotic attachment to the day. I suppose I like it so much it’s because in some ways it defines Australia and Australians.
I could go on and on, but I must get ready for my wife’s 2nd attempt at Father’s Day. Looks like I lucked out this year and am going to be celebrating three times!
Happy Father’s Day!
http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/employment_info/public_holidays
http://www.australia.gov.au/topics/australian-facts-and-figures/public-holidays
