Bringing Mother’s Day Home

Mother's Day moms

Moms on Mother's Day. Photo by M. Quintero, May 2015

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor all special Moms, including grandmothers, aunts, sisters, wives, godmothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, friends, fellow moms, partners, mentors – any women who have had a positive influence in your life. Do you want to celebrate with an unique personal touch, but are low on ideas? Sometimes circumstances are difficult, or even impossible, for Moms to get out and leave their residences. No need to get discouraged; here are ways to provide some “out-of-the-gift-box” experiences for Moms this year.

Ideas for a special Mother’s Day:

  • Spoil your Mom with an at-home manicure and/or pedicure treatment. No fancy equipment necessary; just fill a tub with warm water to soak hands and feet. Add drops of essential oils like lavender and chamomile for aromatherapy. Pumice stones to rub skin smooth can be found in any drug store. Finish with a luxurious skin cream. Maybe even throw in a shoulder massage.
  • Mother's Day food prep
    Women Preparing Food by Rhoda (Public Domain) via Wikimedia Commons

    Cook a special Mother’s Day meal for your Mom. Buy fresh ingredients and use one of her own “tried and true” recipes for added meaning. Include her in the preparation if she so inclined; gathering in the kitchen is an iconic familial experience and guaranteed to provide cherished memories.

  • Does Mom have a favorite all-time movie? Skip the hassle and crowds of the movie theaters; curl up on the couch together and watch a DVD or order a movie through an online source. Another advantage is you can munch on your own homemade organic popcorn.
  • Get your Mom outdoors for some some fresh air this Mother’s day. Even if it is just a short walk around the block for a mom confined indoors, some time outside will not only boost the spirits, but also her vitamin D levels. Check if there are any paved pathways close by that can accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.
  • For those that are artistically inclined – write your Mom a poem or a song; paint or draw her an original picture. A homemade card is always a nice accompaniment. And do not fret about perfection; what may be a mishap to you will make a unique “signature stamp” upon your creations.
  • Mother's Day Flowers
    Mother’s Day Flowers. Photo by M. Quintero, May 2018

    Flowers are always nice, but perhaps purchase a live plant that you can eventually replant together in a bigger pot or outside. Your local nursery, or the gardening department at a home improvement store, can answer questions and recommend plants that would be best for your Mom’s particular living environment.

  • Take a sponge to Mom’s living space. Whether you hire help or do it yourself – a freshly clean environment does wonders for the constitution. This is also another chance to utilize aromatherapy. Don’t forget to contact a charity to donate any unwanted, but usable, clothing and/or household goods that you come across.
  • Speaking of charities, does your Mom have a favorite? Consider making a tribute donation in her name. If not, you can donate to a charity that incorporates a particular interest of hers (i.e., she loves animals, donate to a local animal rescue).

Of course, Moms will treasure any heartfelt gift or gesture, but nothing will ever have more significance for them than being able to spend time with their loved ones. Whatever you do or whatever you say on Mother’s Day, just being there for your special Moms will always mean the most.