What colour eyes does Daddy have? Does he wear a tie? Children at a kindergarten group in Kajaani prepared cards this week for Father’s Day, traditionally celebrated in Finland on the second Sunday of November.
The six-year-olds work hard on the cards because they want to authentically recreate their father’s likeness. Many Finnish children will not be buying their father any presents this year, choosing to focus on creating shared experiences instead.
Children in a Tapiola kindergarten class have made cards for their dad, but have also put together a booklet with coupons good for a kiss, a hug, or help making food or sandwiches. Others have offered to vacuum or set the table. Although some are a bit nervous about presenting their dad with their gifts, they are looking forward to spending a special day with their dad.
Many are also eager to sit down together as a family for a nice meal. One kindergartener in the group has great expectations for the day: “I will be good all day and then maybe I will be able to stay up late.”
Father's day was only added to the Finnish almanac in the 1970s, before it was accepted as a permanent part of the calendar in the 1980s. Flags are flying in honour of the occasion, and shops larger than a hundred square metres have to close.
