Just in case you’ve managed to miss the fact it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, this article looks at the importance of making time for Mom. It shouldn’t just be another commercial gimmick that the supermarkets promote. It should be a day of authentic appreciation for the person that brought you into the world.

How the Mother’s Day celebration started

Unfortunately, just like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day has become a commercialised event highlighted on every retailer’s calendar.  That said, when the day was first created by Anna Jarvis, in 1908, it was in an attempt to honour motherhood. The only commercialisation was a simple flower in one’s jacket.  Today, we have a plethora of gift ideas to choose from including the traditional flowers and chocolates to the less traditional ice watches and even hi-tech equipment such as iPhones.

Maybe, somewhere along the way, we have lost the essence of Mother’s Day.  Mother’s Day which is about showing appreciation and valuing the person that brought you into the world. Rather than the fancy gifts, which is why this article is going to suggest a somewhat different approach.

Mother’s Day yearly celebrations began

Following the initial success of the day, Anna Jarvis resolved to see the holiday added to the national calendar. She argued that American holidays were biased towards the male gender. She wrote numerous letters to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a day to honor motherhood. By 1912, many states had adopted the day as an annual holiday.

Initially conceived as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families, her idea was to wear a white carnation as a symbol and to visit one’s mother. But once it had become a national holiday, gift companies jumped on the bandwagon and turned into something much more similar with what we have today.

In 1920, Jarvis became disgusted by how commercialised Mother’s Day had become and publicly discouraged people from buying the flowers and cards.  She went on a crusade, speaking out against confectioners and florist. In the process, she launched a number of lawsuits against groups that had used the name “Mother’s Day”. In her later years, spent most of her wealth in legal fees.  

Other ways to say I love you Mom this  Mother’s Day

Of course, there’s something about the natural beauty and fragrant essence of a flower that lifts people’s spirits, and in consideration of the fact many of us have aging parents who spend a lot of their time indoors – bringing the vibrancy of spring into their home is a beautifully uplifting treat.  

However, rather than rush out to Interflora, perhaps you could go into nature and pick some flowers with your own bare hands. Most of the time, what mothers really appreciate is effort not expense. 

The standard dining in a restaurant experience on Mother’s Day can feel a little staged and awkward. However, throwing a wonderful garden party (particularly if you have young children), presuming we’re not inundated with snow again, can be a great way to celebrate the spirit of family and connection.

A further idea, could be to have a barbecue in your back garden and cook her favourite meats with a variety of freshly prepared salads and squeezed fruit juice. Or for an even more noteworthy treat, you could take her to her favourite spot in nature and have a little picnic set-up.

If you’re thinking of a gift rather than an experience, putting together a handmade memory book can be a very well received gift.  Sometimes keeping happy memories alive can be hard. Which is why keeping them safe in something like a memory book is a great idea; particularly for ageing parents.  

Memorable gift ideas for Mother’s Day

There are few things nicer to receive than a collage of treasured memories. Because not only does it show that these moments are meaningful to you, it also gives you both a chance to reminisce. In addition to photographs, make sure you keep old tickets, receipts, or packing from magical moments and keep them all together in a safe place until you go ahead and make your scrapbook. Another nice touch, is to include a few written stories that describe a fond memory or feeling you felt in that particular moment. Everyone likes to feel special and significant; this is a very meaningful way to provide that.

Essentially, we all want the people that mean something to us to feel special and appreciated. Oftentimes, we will go with expensive and elaborate gifts to express that. But sometimes these miss the mark, as whilst many people appreciate expensive gifts a lot more prefer a more thoughtful and handmade item that offers a personal touch aligned with Anna Jarvis’ original Mother’s Day concept, rather than the commercialised bandwagon it has turned into.

Final words

In summary, the basic premise is that Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be a commercial gimmick; it can just be a time to genuinely make time for your mom. Aim to keep it authentic and focused on what actually matters – her experience. Make it personal and meaningful by doing something tailored to her unique tastes and interests.

Of course, if you are far away and unable to visit, sending some flowers or chocolates is always going to be welcomed. But it can leave something left to be desired, as what people really want on Mother’s Day is to feel close to their family and to be appreciated.

What are your thoughts on this? Please share them in the comments section below.

*Collaborative post