Mother’s Day for All Situations
Mother’s Day can always be a mixed bag of emotions, but this year in particular may be especially challenging, as we continue to deal with a global pandemic. Here are a few tips for making the most of Mother’s Day, no matter the situation you’re in.
If your mother is far away or you cannot visit due to COVID-19
Celebrate “Love Actually” style. We’ve all seen the viral posts on social media of people standing outside with signs, balloons, or music to let their loved ones know they care on a special occasion. If logistics allow, make a big sign with a Mother’s Day message and go stand outside her window. It will make a big impact on her day, we promise.
If you are unable to do that, try scheduling a phone call, sending a card, or getting on a video chat. All gestures of love, near and far, will be appreciated by moms.
If you are at home with your mother
Lucky enough to be at home with your mom? Even if you are driving each other crazy, you could use the day to break your routines a bit. Good Housekeeping suggests breakfast in bed, a manicure, or an online cooking class.
If your mother has passed
If you’ve lost your mother, the day can feel like it’s been designed specifically to remind you of your loss. If all of this feels overwhelming or triggering, consider taking the day off from social media.
If that’s not an option for you, honor her by doing something she loved. Cook her favorite dish, go for a bike ride, or make a page in a scrapbook. A friend of mine drives to the beach every Mother’s Day because it was her mom’s favorite place. She’ll sip a cup of coffee and reflect, knowing others are going about their own celebrations.
If you are not close to your mother
There are some of us who, for a variety of reasons, are not close with our mom. Either we didn’t get the chance to know her, or the relationship is strained.
Perhaps you have a mother figure in your life you can connect with to recognize the occasion.
There is no easy answer for this. Mother’s Day may just be really, really hard and there is no right way to feel. If things are complicated, you are not alone.
Honor yourself, no matter what
As someone who lost my birth mother at a young age and also has a close relationship with a mom who adopted me, Mother’s Day for me is a combination of many feelings. Honor where you are at and what you are feeling. How you celebrate (or don’t celebrate) Mother’s Day is up to you.
Emily Nelson
Founder & CEO