Ah, Mother’s Day. The Sunday when florists have to work overtime, the greeting card aisle gets picked clean, and every U.S. restaurant that offers brunch prepares for the morning like they’re expecting a Category 4 hurricane.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve provided a list of do’s and don’ts designed to help everyone navigate the day we all honor mom.
Do: Celebrate All Moms.
While some methods of celebrations tend to be more popular than others (going out to eat, flowers, cards, and phone calls), Mother’s Day itself does not have an official rulebook about how to observe the day. So while going out to eat will be a popular idea, it’s not a requirement.
Also, remember that Mother’s Day celebrates all moms. So if you see a mom when you’re out and about with your mom, wish them a Happy Mother’s Day.
Don’t: Overwhelm the Mom.
The job of mother, almost by definition, frequently involves handling multiple responsibilities at the same time. Metaphorically speaking, to outsiders the job of mother would sometimes be comparable to juggling four chainsaws while riding a unicycle through heavy traffic and screaming at the kids to stop jumping on the couch and go outside.
Keeping that in mind, don’t make a big itemized plan for Mother’s Day. Give her some time just to chill out and not handle stuff. That’ll go a long way.
Do: Appreciate the Mom.
Mother’s Day works best as a time to honor the moms in our lives, so find good ways to communicate your appreciation to all the moms you know.
Don’t: Limit the Appreciation to One Day.
Mother’s Day is not Administrative Professionals Day, Boss Day, or Talk like a Pirate Day; moms get to be moms 365 days a year without a break. Keeping that in mind, don’t limit your appreciation of all things mom and mom-related to be limited to just one day.
In other words, don’t let the moms in your life think you only appreciate all they do on Mother’s Day. This doesn’t mean you have to take her out to brunch every Sunday, either. Give her a call, swing by and visit, maybe run an errand or do a chore if time allows.
Also, if the mom you know just happens to enjoy talking like a pirate, have some fun with it.
Do: Give Gifts.
As with birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, it’s best to play towards the mom’s hobbies and interests when considering a Mother’s Day gift. Lately there’s been an increase of gifting experiences, which can present a ton of gift opportunities. If the mom in question likes opera, for example, maybe get her a pair of tickets to an opera performance instead of a recording. If she likes painting, find out about paint classes that offer food and beverages during the class.
Don’t: Go Generic or Overboard
Unless the mom likes cooking, don’t buy her kitchen tools or appliances. And don’t get excessive with the giving of gifts. Remember, it’s best not to overwhelm mom on Mother’s Day. That doesn’t mean you have to put her in quarantine so she can get some peace and quiet (unless she specifically requests that), but don’t try to pack all your love and appreciation into one day’s worth of celebration.
As previously stated, don’t let your love and appreciation for mom get limited to just Mother’s Day. Take some time to speak with the moms in your life, and make the effort to show your love and appreciation.