The last year and a half (and the last two Mother's Days) have been something new and foreign to everyone during this pandemic. While we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel- let's take a moment to look back on, to appreciate and to THANK all the mamas in our lives. As we know, a mom is the first one to step up and get things done and make sure those around them are taken care of and that could not have been more true over the last year and a half.
From home-schooling the littles, balancing a full time job, managing the household- it has been a year to say the least. Mother's Day is the perfect time for you as a mom, or for those mothers in your life, to let yourself (or them) relish in some overdue uninterrupted self-care and me-time.
Picture this... house was cleaned by someone else, dinner was delivered to your door, children (including fur babies) are looked after and all there is left to do to end the day is pour yourself a glass of bubbly, start the tub, light a candle and crack open that book that's been sitting on your nightstand for 6 months just waiting to be read. NOW is the time!!
With more people spending time at home, a subscription to a magazine, channel, app, newspaper or audio book service could be the perfect fit for a gift. While it may be cutting it close to try and order a physical item to be shipped online- if you find the perfect gift consider writing a hand written IOU note with details about a treat on it's way. It's like two gifts in one... the anticipation and mystery of what it could be and then upon arrival the actual gift.
Event planner Karen Garscadden said thoughtfulness is most important, especially when the usual Mother's Day interaction may not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think it might make Mother's Day that much more meaningful because it's going to be more wholesome and more organic," she said. "I think it'll be special in its own way."
Did You Know?
Mother's Day as we know it — in the early 20th century, thanks to Anna Jarvis, became a nationally recognized holiday in 1914. In North America, we make cards, give flowers and jewelry to show our mama's we love her.
Here are 5 International Mother’s Day traditions you’ve likely never heard of...
1. Finland: Finns also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. And the celebration's similarities to the United States' don't stop there. Like American mothers, Finnish mothers find themselves being showered with gifts, flowers, and the rest. But the Finnish president does his or her part too. Each year, the leader honours a group of exemplary mothers who have been nominated by their families or communities.
2. China: The regions of Hong Kong and Macau were the first to adopt this tradition, but by 1979, the Chinese mainland had begun to embrace Mother's Day. China as a whole has established its own floral tradition with the ever-vibrant tiger lily.
3. Mexico: Unsurprisingly, the historically matriarchal culture of Mexico makes a big to-do of Mother's Day. Celebrated on May 10 every year, the holiday leaves restaurants packed, floral shops emptied and, most importantly, mothers loved — even more so than usual. According to tradition, the festivities begin in the morning outside bedroom windows when families serenade Mom with the song “Las Mañanitas."
4. Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, the mothers are so deserving of gratitude, they get three whole days devoted to them. During the multi-day feast, known as Antrosht, which occurs when the rainy season ends (some time in mid-fall), people celebrate by preparing traditional Ethiopian hash — and it's a joint effort. Girls provide the spices and dairy, and boys fetch the meat. Then, the mother cooks up the massive meal, which is followed by singing and dancing.
5. Serbia: Serbian mothers don't catch much of a break on their special day. In the southeastern European country, “Mother's Day" is called Materice, and it is celebrated on the second Sunday before Christmas. Mamas are awoken to their children gently binding their feet with ribbon or string, and she must remain tied up until she gives them small presents and treats. The only vindication? She and the kids get to do the same thing to her husband the next weekend in exchange for all their Christmas presents and a feast.
