Yes, Celebrate Mother’s Day – All Year
Confession: I don’t really like Mother’s Day. For reasons similar to why I don’t like Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day, I think the sentiment feels forced. On these holidays, expectations tend to run exponentially higher and there’s a greater risk, therefore, of disappointment. Chocolates, flowers, handmade cards, and spa days are all great gifts and great ways to show Mom she is appreciated, but what moms really need is to be shown this appreciation all year long, not just for one day in May.
Moms are some of the hardest working people I know. A recent article in the New York Post claimed being a mom is like having 2.5 jobs. I saw another post which stated that after having a baby, a woman doesn’t catch up on her sleep until the child is six years old (do you ever really catch up?). No wonder moms everywhere are exhausted!
Moms are generally the schedule keepers who handle the logistics of the household—who needs to be where when, what is needed for each event each day, and the ever-looming question: what’s for dinner? On top of household logistics and chores, many moms have a job outside of the home for which they are responsible as well.
Mother’s Day, and every day, should be when we show moms—our moms, moms-in-law, like-a-moms, friends, all the moms in our lives—that we see how hard they work and that we appreciate it.
Four Ways You Can Show a Mom Gratitude
- Flat-out tell her. Sometimes that is all a weary mama needs—to know someone sees all her hard work and appreciates it.
- Call her. College students, adult children, call your mama! I know with the crazy, frenetic pace at which we live, it is difficult to set aside some time for a long telephone conversation, but it’s so worth it! You and your mom will both benefit from a few minutes of intentional conversation time.
- Give her Mother’s Day-type gifts on a random day. Moms do love gifts on Mother’s Day, but even more meaningful is receiving a gift on a random Tuesday. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gift, any small token of appreciation will always bring a smile to Mom’s face.
- Help out. Kids, husbands, friends, if you see that Mom has an overloaded plate, help her! Don’t wait for the plate and all that is on it to come crashing down. We need to be more in tune with those around us so we are able to step in—in small ways and sometimes big ways—to help. Most likely a mom is not going to ask for help. You can show her you appreciate her by simply noticing that she is struggling and quietly completing a task or chore for her.
Show Appreciation for Those Who Work Hard for You
“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 CSB).
Beyond a mom, there is probably someone in your life who shows up for you on a regular basis. Let them know you appreciate them. We all get busy and forget to lift our heads and look around outside our own problems sometimes, but we need to. Really look at the people in your life and find ways to show them you care for and appreciate them.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: ‘Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!’” (Proverbs 31:25-29)
Yes, please shower Mom with gifts, love, and attention this Mother’s Day, but don’t forget to spread some of that love throughout the year as well. You love your mom, and she knows it, but sometimes she needs to hear the words or receive a tangible expression of how much you appreciate her. Any day is a good day to show someone you care.
is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.
Photograph © Jhon David, used with permission
