Mother’s day is right around the corner, and with a little preparation and planning, this can be an amazing day for the special mother in your life. Whether this is your first Mother’s Day as a mom or you are fortunate to celebrate multiple generations of mothers, take time to enjoy the day. It may be spending time with the people who made you a mother or it may be a little quiet time to escape the hustle and bustle of motherhood. Here are a few suggestions that are sure to make any mother in your life feel special.
A DIFFERENT DAY
One of the simplest ways to make a mom feel special is to make the day feel different than a normal day. This could be planning an activity you know she would enjoy and taking care of all the details. One suggestion, which is right in our own backyard, is a hike in the Presidio and ending at the Presidio Picnic on the parade grounds. If it is a nice day, it gets crowded quickly so plan to arrive early to set up your spot. There are all different types of food trucks and activities but you can also bring your own food to avoid the lines. Don’t forget the sunscreen and an umbrella, especially if it is a sunny day.
Another way to make the day feel different for mom is to pitch in and take over the things she usually does. This could be anything from making breakfast, helping with the laundry, packing lunches, or cooking dinner. For me, a day off from any of these things is a great gift.
ALONE TIME
Often as mothers we tend to put everyone else in our lives before ourselves, so Mother’s Day may be the perfect excuse to spoil yourself for a few hours guilt-free. If this is how you want to spend the day, make sure you ask for this in advance — no one can read your mind, so let your family know what you would like so they can arrange the details. It could be something as simple as sleeping in, time to exercise, or time to read that new novel you can’t put down. It could also mean going to the spa for a massage or a manicure — just be sure to book early because Mother’s Day weekend tends to be a popular time for spa services.
Another idea is time to go shopping. Whether to just browse or to buy, doing it without any little people tugging at your leg is a gift.
GIFT OF GIVING
If you have planned the perfect day but are stumped about what to give that special mom in your life, especially the one who has everything, consider honoring her with a donation to a nonprofit. Try to choose a cause the mom cares about, such as the SPCA, an environmental group, or families. For me, I realize Mother’s Day can be a tough day for a lot of people, especially the moms in our community who are most in need. Two organizations that do wonderful work to help them are Project Glimmer (project
glimmer.org) and the Homeless Prenatal Program (homelessprenatal.org). For every $5 donated to Project Glimmer, they will make sure an underserved mother receives a beautiful Mother’s Day gift like beauty products, jewelry, and accessories.
The Homeless Prenatal Program is never short for ways they can use donations, but one of my favorites, especially for Mother’s Day, is to help sponsor a baby shower for the moms in their program. Every month the organization throws a baby shower for moms with upcoming due dates and together with their families they enjoy food and games, and each mom receives a new diaper bag full of diapers, clothes, and other baby items.
However, you choose to celebrate the day, do not forget to take a moment to hug the ones that made you a mother. Cherish the handmade cards or the “surprise” breakfast in bed or the attempt to help with extra chores. Sometimes it is the small, simple things that are most special and most appreciated.
Remember also to take time to honor your own mother. It may not be breakfast in bed anymore, but find a way to say, “I love you” and make sure she knows just how much she is appreciated. If your mom has passed, take a quiet moment for a favorite memory. Finally, take a moment for yourself to reflect on your own blessings. Sometimes between homework and activities, it is easy to forget just how truly lucky we are.
Happy Mother’s Day!
