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How to Celebrate Father's Day with Your Father-in-Law

By Francesca Di Meglio, About.com

As a newlywed, you will find that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are great opportunities to bond with your in-laws. You can show your appreciation – or make peace, if necessary – with your father-in-law this Father’s Day. Here are five ways to celebrate Father’s Day:

Frame a photo of your father-in-law from your wedding.

Pick a picture of you and your spouse with your father-in-law and put it in a lovely frame. People often forget that the fathers of the groom and bride have just as much of an emotional stake in your nuptials as your mothers do. And fathers also will appreciate a reminder of the big day. This sort of gift will send the message that you recognize your father-in-law’s importance in your new family.

Take your father-in-law to a ball game.

Father’s Day falls during the summer, which is the perfect time of year to go to a baseball game. Buy tickets for your father-in-law, your spouse, and you. Chow down on peanuts and cracker jack and root for the home team. Sports can bring all sorts of people together – and you’ll have fun to boot.

Play games with your father-in-law.

Active, healthy fathers-in-law will appreciate time spent fishing, golfing, bowling, playing basketball or softball, or even gunning each other down in a paintball joint. If your father-in-law is not in the best health and can’t handle physical activity, consider playing board games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, or Scattergories. The friendly competition is a great way to bond and get to know each other better. These activities are particularly good for couples who want to include both of their fathers and other family members in their Father’s Day celebrations.

Make lunch for your father-in-law.

Consider investigating to find out your father-in-law’s favorite meal. Or grill some burgers or go gourmet with a dish such as a filet mignon with goat cheese. If your father-in-law has a special diet, create the menu accordingly. Making a meal for someone is a surefire way to show that you care. This is a particularly good idea if you’ve had any differences with your father-in-law that need smoothing over. The meal will give your father-in-law the sense that you care about him, and, at home, you can rationally discuss any issues. Your goal should be to make up and move on together. Remember, it’s worth it to make peace because you both love your spouse and peace is in everyone’s best interest.

Place your bets.

Head to the nearest casino to play the slots, roam the hotels, boardwalks, or shops, and eat at the buffet. Perfect for anyone who lives near Atlantic City or Las Vegas and can make a day trip of it, the casino is a fun distraction – and a great way to celebrate. You don’t even have to spend the whole day gambling. Nowadays, casinos almost always offer lots of other entertainment. Enjoy!

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