Father's Day always falls on the third Sunday in June in the United States and the United Kingdom. This holiday was established in 1910 in the US state of Washington, and remains the most popular Father's Day date in the world. This year, Father's Day is on June 18th.

Most countries in the world celebrate Father's Day, as you can see on this map on Wikipedia Commons. In many places like the US and the UK, the date falls on a particular Sunday of the month. But in some countries, the date is fixed and the same every year. In some Hindu, Islamic, and Burmese cultures, it falls on a date that varies each year according to the lunar calendar.

Let's take a look today at some typical Father's Day traditions in the US and the UK. These might be the same as you do in your home country, but maybe they'll help give you some ideas for Father's Day this year anyway!

But it later became a permanent federal holiday.

Caption 34, Spotlight: Why Columbus Day?

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A federal holiday (called a "bank holiday" in the UK) is a holiday where most people have the day off from work and where, depending on the local laws, many shops, offices, and institutions are closed. Father's Day in the US and the UK, however, is just a regular holiday, and not a federal or bank holiday. The fact that it always falls on a Sunday means that most people take the day off from work anyway!

My father yells, "What are you going do with your life?"

Caption 7, Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Want to Have Fun

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Relationships with our fathers are sometimes problematic, but hopefully we've been able to forgive and forget, and maintain a healthy relationship with our dads.

This Mother's Day you might want to make her a card.

Caption 70, World's Toughest Job: Official Video

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It's also part of the holiday's tradition to send your dad a Father's Day card.

And what do you hope to get for a present this year?

Caption 15, Christmas in London: People

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This video caption is referring to Christmas presents, but you can also consider getting your dad a present for Father's Day. Then the question remains: What would he like to have?

We went out to dinner.

Caption 17, Sigrid: The New Normal

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If you live near your father, it's also a nice gesture to invite him out to dinner. It's also a nice gesture make dinner at your home and invite him over.

Further Learning
Go to Yabla English and watch the videos above. Maybe there are some Father's Day traditions in your native country that aren't discussed here. Try writing a paragraph in English about Father's Day traditions where you came from.

Many of our social activities have been reduced by the current crisis, giving us a lot more time on our own. Maybe this is a good time to think about what we wish for the future. Let's take a look today at some English sentences that use the standard phrase that begins "I wish..."

I wish that I could be like the cool kids.

Caption 8, Echosmith - Cool Kids

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By "cool kids," they mean the kids who are more popular.

I wish I could find a book to live in.

Caption 11, Miley Cyrus - The Backyard Sessions - Look What They've Done to My Song

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This is a poetic way of saying she wishes her life had more excitement and romance — like in a book!

I wish I would've had more time to travel around.

Caption 37, Ask Jimmy Carter - Interview with Demi Moore

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These days, the problem is not so much having the time to travel as the fact that travel restrictions often make traveling impossible.

How I wish, how I wish you were here

Caption 12, David Gilmour - Wish You Were Here

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Most of us are missing friends and family members who we aren't able to see because of travel restrictions. At least it's usually possible to call them or have a video chat. It's not the same as being there, but it helps!

I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words.

Caption 2, Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out

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The singer of the band Twenty One Pilots clearly needs to get some singing lessons and work on his lyrics!

I wish I had a river I could skate away on

Caption 5, Katie Melua - River

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The river she wants to skate away on had better be frozen solid or she'll be swimming in her ice skates.

I wish it hadn't happened. But it did.

Caption 63, Matthew Modine - Showreel

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As far as the crisis goes, it is still happening, but it is good to be realistic about things, as Mr. Modine advises.

I wish you a Merry Christmas. Goodbye!

Caption 60, Christmas in London - People

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Some countries actually celebrate Christmas in July. It's also possible to say "It's like Christmas in July!" when you get a present, even though it's not a holiday or your birthday.

Further Learning
Make up some sentences about things that you wish for using the phrases "I wish I had...", "I wish I could...", and "I wish I was...". Find some more examples using "I wish" on Yabla English so you can get a better sense of the different contexts in which the phrase is used.

As we approach the end of December, many people are looking forward to having some time off. The “holiday break," “Christmas break,” or "winter vacation" observed by schools gives students up to two weeks off. Universities may have closer to a month of time off. Workplaces and offices close as well, although not for so long!

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It is a time to relax and a time to spend with family and friends. If the weather outside is cold, there are some classic outdoor activities that people enjoy, although you may decide to simply stay nice and warm indoors.

And nowadays Rose and I do down-hill skiing primarily.

And nowadays Rose and I do down-hill skiing primarily.

Caption 73, Ask Jimmy Carter - Interview with Former US President Jimmy Carter

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She could only rest in a corner next to the fireplace,

She could only rest in a corner next to the fireplace,

Caption 11, Yabla Fairy Tales - Cinderella

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Many families take time to do activities like baking or cooking together, and also decorate to their homes.

And what's your favorite part of the Christmas dinner?

And what's your favorite part of the Christmas dinner?

Caption 13, Christmas in London - People

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But, up until that point we decorate our houses with lots of different things.

But, up until that point we decorate our houses with lots of different things.

Caption 6, Christmas Traditions - In the UK

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Many people are also preparing for the holidays and the tradition of exchanging presents:

I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards.

I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards.

Caption 13, A Charlie Brown Christmas - Opening

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...and then unwrap our presents and all the family will be there.

...and then unwrap our presents and all the family will be there.

Caption 12, Christmas in London - People

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Of course, the holidays can be stressful, especially if you are late with the preparations!

So they're looking for their last-minute presents for their loved ones.

So they're looking for their last-minute presents for their loved ones.

Caption 3, Christmas in London - People

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Our Yabla English team wishes you a lovely winter break and holiday season, filled with relaxation and the warm company of family and friends!

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Further Learning
Go to the links listed above, or do your own search for Yabla English videos that reference holiday traditions. Another idea: look up the English words for the presents you are giving people this year if you don’t know them already.