The modern observance of Mother’s Day originated here in the United States and was founded by a woman named Anna Jarvis in 1905 after she held a memorial for her deceased mother. She then campaigned to make that anniversary a recognized holiday to honor all mothers. The holiday was officially recognized by a signed proclamation in 1914.
Unfortunately, Jarvis became disenchanted with the holiday due to the commercialization of it. She worried the meaning had been lost. In fact, some of the commercialization angered her so much that she was even arrested for disturbing the peace.
In honor of Anna Jarvis, we compiled a list of what to do and what to say to make mom feel special this Mother’s Day!
Prep Before You Step
Take some time to think about the important role your mother plays in your life. Think of the moments that emerge from your memories throughout childhood up to this moment. Are there defining moments that reflect your mother’s love and kindness?
For many of us, a mother is a refuge you can run to when times are tough. We sometimes take our mother’s love for granted. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to stop and show your gratitude for all she does.
If you have a special memory that you want to share with your mother, try to conjure the image of what happened down to the smallest details. For instance, if your mother packed your lunch and it made you happy, consider having a picnic with the foods she made for you.
You can even pack them away in a lunchbox or brown paper bag like the one you carried. Thanks to the abundance of items available online, you may be able to find the same kind of lunch box you carried or something very similar.
Do you remember your mother using a certain type of Band-Aid whenever you got a boo-boo? Did your mother make you a favorite snack when you needed cheering up or some hot chocolate? The smallest details can capture the most meaningful memories and inspire the best gifts. The best part is, there is no guesswork involved because the memories are yours.
Any items like toys your mother gave you, games you played together or activities like visiting parks or the zoo could inspire your Mother’s Day celebration. It will mean a lot to her that you remembered and that you brought your recollections to life in a very real and tangible way.
Once you have the memories you want to recreate in your mind, you can also expand on your Mother’s Day ideas. After all, Mother’s Day is a celebration that consists of an entire day.
The best gift you can give your mother is your time. If you can celebrate with her the whole day, it will be worth it. Start in the morning and greet her with a beautiful bouquet or pick out a lovely corsage for her to wear all day.
If you would like a beautiful bouquet or delicate corsage to give your mother on her special day, let our florists at Bouquet Florist and Gifts in Carmichael, CA help you select the perfect fresh flowers to start her day off with a smile.
Things for Mom and You to do
Before you develop an itinerary, think about the type of person your mother is and what she enjoys. Make sure that your ideas coincide with what she likes to do. A creative idea can backfire if it gets her too far out of her comfort zone.
Does your mother like to stay in and tackle crafts and home projects or go out and explore new places and meet new people? Is your mother thrifty and into antiquing, or does she prefer the latest designer fashions?
It is okay to do something a little out of her normal routine if it doesn’t go too far. For instance, you can take your thrifty mother for a salon visit where her hair is styled, and she is pampered is a fun way to get her slightly out of her comfort zone. However, taking a mother who prefers a night in with a movie to go skydiving may make Mother’s Day unforgettable but not in a good way.
Activities at Home
If your mother likes to stay home, there are still plenty of ways to show her a good time. Once you have found out how to recreate an important memory or several, complete the day by doing what she likes to do, whether it is gardening, crafts or home improvement projects.
Your mother may just want to relax. You could cook her a meal consisting of a comfort dish from your childhood and invite the rest of the family. You could look up some fun crafts to do with your mom. Additionally, there are easy recipes for making bath bombs, candles and many other interesting things.
You could also relax and watch some of the movies or shows you may have watched together in the past. It doesn’t really matter what you do. The day is more about showing your mother what an impact she had on you by sharing the memories that meant the most. By doing so, you are giving your mother a wonderful gift. You are also adding to the meaningful memories you share.
Places to Go
If your mom likes to get out and about, you may be able to take her to a place that brings back memories. If there is a place that is special to you because your mom took you there, return the favor. If you often frequented a playground, movie theater, restaurant or mall, take your mom there for Mother’s Day and tell her how much you enjoy the time you spend together.
Another idea is to take your mother shopping for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. When we are children, our mothers are often the ones taking us shopping, so it feels good, as an adult, to be able to do the same in return.
Depending on what your mother enjoys, you could also go antiquing, visit a museum, farmer’s market, a winery, pick strawberries, go horseback riding or even take a painting or cooking class together. If your mother has a favorite type of car, you could even rent one to drive her around in style.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it communicates your gratitude to your mother. Let her know how influential she has been to you. You only have one mother, so celebrate her for who she is.