We all know there is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love. This Mother’s Day, let’s make a special point to reflect on the love we’ve received – and continue to receive – from our own mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers and great grandmothers. Without their devotion, support and life lessons, many of us would not be the mothers we are today.
On this Mother’s Day, let’s also not forget to pay tribute to mothers who may be coping with difficult situations. Or mothers-to-be who are eagerly awaiting the birth of a child. And let’s remember to help our friends and neighbors honor their mothers who have passed away and cannot be with us this special day.
Below are fun and creative ideas to help us celebrate the mothers we love. If you have additional ideas or traditions you follow every Mother’s Day, please share in the comments below!
Create a Memory Jar. Fill a jar with slips of paper, each detailing a special memory you and your mother have shared. If you are able, share the jar with her this Mother’s Day and read about each memory together.
Make a Blessing Book. Cover a composition book or hardbound journal with colorful and patterned papers, and include photos of you and your siblings, as well as a special pen for her to record what she is most grateful for in this world.
Help a mother in need. You can do this by donating money, clothing, or other household items to organizations that help mothers and children.
Make a donation. Send it to your mom’s favorite charity, in her name. Or make a donation in the name of a friend’s mother who has passed away.
Send flowers to a new mom. Help her celebrate her first Mother’s Day.
Write a letter to your children about how being their parent has enriched you. Talk about how your mother raised you and what special lessons you take from her. Save these letters in a special journal or album to give to your children when they become parents themselves.
Spend some time reflecting. Look through your scrapbooks and reflect on the love that comes to you from your own family and maternal love.
Reach out to someone else you know who is dealing with infertility. Send flowers, a note or an e-mail, call, or visit. Do something that will help your friend know you are thinking of her.
Create a “Mom’s Garden” with special flowers or plants. Did your mom make the best orange juice? Plant an orange tree. Did your mom love roses? Plant some in her favorite color to plant. Was your mom a gourmet cook? Combine edible plants, like peppers or spice herbs, that she would have loved in her kitchen.
Dedicate a photo album to your mom. Ask family members for photos they may have – maybe you’ll find pictures that you’ve never seen. Label photos with dates and places so you can refer to it for years to come.
Journal about your mother. Journaling your memories is therapeutic, and writing a book about your mom or grandmother can not only be healing but also joyful. Again, ask family memories for stories about your mom that can add up to a fuller picture of her life, especially stories you may never have heard.
Create a “Mom’s Cookbook”. Was/is your mom a great cook? Or did she make dishes that may not be prize winning recipes but you’ll always consider them one of your all-time favorites? Before you discard those meals as typical family recipes, remember your mom’s recipes are unique to your family. I have some recipe cards that were handwritten by my mother and both my grandmothers, and I cherish them no matter how wrinkled and ripped up the cards are!
What other ideas can you share?
This post is dedicated in loving memory to my paternal grandmother, Frances Tooker Miller (June 23, 1915 ~ May 4, 2012). She is pictured above with 8 of her 11 great grandchildren. Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma. We love and miss you!
Ideas for this post came from www.disneyfamily.com, ldsliving.com, and www.squidoo.com.
