February 16

Family Day

Take a break, gather round, it's Family Day! It's a day of love, laughs and deep connections. Cherish your nearest and dearest today!

Yearly Date

Third Monday in February

Observed in

Canada

Introduction

Pack up your business worries and put on a smile for Family Day, celebrated each year on February 19! Originally established in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario in 1990, Family Day was designed to emphasize the importance of family values and to give hardworking people some quality time with their loved ones. It's a day solely dedicated to appreciating and cherishing the bond and love that binds a family. Let's create wonderful memories, share laughter, and infuse our homes with that irreplaceable feeling of belonging. Happy Family Day!

Family Day Timeline

1990

Family Day's Inception

Family Day was first established in Alberta, Canada by Premier Don Getty. He believed in the importance of values such as home and family.

1992

Saskatchewan Joins In

Saskatchewan adopted Family Day, recognizing it as a statutory holiday dedicated to celebrating familial ties.

2008

Ontario Adopts Family Day

Ontario followed suit and proclaimed the third Monday in February as Family Day, giving millions more the opportunity to celebrate.

2013

British Columbia Joins

The Canadian province British Columbia also adopted Family Day as a nationally recognized holiday.

2018

Family Day Gains Popularity

By 2018, the idea of Family Day had gained significant popularity and was officially recognized in New Brunswick as well.

How to Celebrate Family Day

1 Host a family game night

Clear off the dining room table and bring out the board games. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer games, spending an evening playing together is a great way to bond.

2 Bake together

This is not only fun, but also delicious! Bake up your family's favorite treats and enjoy them along with some hot cocoa. Plus, everyone can pitch in with the mixing, baking and, of course, the tasting.

3 Take family portraits

Set up your camera and have a fun photoshoot with everyone. You could even create your own props or stage a themed shoot. These photos will be treasured keepsakes in the years to come.

4 Hold a family talent show

Each family member can showcase their special talent. Everyone will enjoy this entertaining show and it's a great way to appreciate each other's abilities and unique qualities.

5 Create a family history book

Gather old photos, letters, and cherished mementos and create a family history book together. It's a wonderful way to share and preserve your family's stories and traditions.

Why We Love Family Day

Time dedicated to family connection

Family Day provides us with a designated day to pause our busy schedules and dedicate time exclusively for our family. It's an occasion to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and reminisce about shared memories and traditions. There's absolutely nothing like spending the entire day surrounded by loved ones, knowing that this special day was established just for that purpose.

Encourages fun activities and celebrations

Family Day is also a time for celebration! It encourages us to be a part of entertaining activities like talent shows, baking together, or hosting a family game night. These shared experiences not only promote laughter and happiness but also allow us to create beautiful memories that will be cherished for years.

Preserves historical legacy

Family Day creates the perfect opportunity for families to learn about their lineage and create a tangible record of their history. Creating a family history book with photos, letters, and cherished mementos not only helps to keep our roots alive but also enables us to pass on fascinating stories and traditions to future generations.