Mother’s Day five ways

A video circulated on social media a few years ago that showed candidates interviewing for “the world’s toughest job.” Candidates had to exert physical labor for “135 hours up to unlimited hours per week,” with no breaks or holidays, and the ideal candidate would hold multiple degrees, in areas such as medicine and finance, and be able to “wear many hats.” Also, the position was unpaid. 

After filming the shocked responses of candidates, and confirming with them that this was indeed a real job, the interviewer told the candidates the name of this very important position: mother.

Mother’s Day is a time to honor the fantastic females who have raised us, and who worked their tuchuses off to do a good job. Here are a few ways to celebrate mamas that go beyond the traditional breakfast in bed (although that is still a fabulous way to show you care!).

• Plant some Mother’s Day flowers. Gathering the family to plant flowers in honor of Mother’s Day is both useful and fun. You can plant as many flowers and varieties as you want, and if you plant perennials, they will be a beautiful, long-lasting gift she will enjoy every year.   

• Draw a family comic strip. Remember when Mom tried to make heart-shaped pancakes, and you all laughed because they were really just shapeless blobs but still tasted delicious? That might be a good one to illustrate. Parents.com suggests taking a long strip of paper, breaking it down into three or four boxes, and then drawing a funny family memory together. If Mom is really funny, a comic book may be in the works!

• Create a custom picture puzzle. Many photo labs now create customized photo gifts, including puzzles from your photographs. Relevant Magazine suggests picking out a favorite photo of you and Mom and having it turned into a puzzle – then you’ll have both a Mother’s Day gift and an activity. 

• Help Mom relax. There are so many ways to accomplish this: A nature walk, a spa day, a picnic in the park … all things that you can do easily and that will give Mom a break from errands and chores – and a chance to smile, relax, and enjoy the small pleasures of life.

• Prepare a sentimental Mother’s Day meal. Relevant Magazine also suggests taking breakfast in bed to the next level by planning a meal that reflects special things in your mother’s life. For example, you could re-create a favorite childhood meal, prepare a popular family recipe, or duplicate the meal served at her wedding. This has the added benefit of showing your mother that her stories and good cooking have not gone unnoticed!

ARIEL  BROTHMAN is a freelance writer who lives in Wrentham, Massachusetts.