If you would rather listen to this article about How to Enjoy Mother’s Day, you can find this podcast episode on Parenting in Real Life wherever you listen to podcasts.
Who are you celebrating this year on Mother’s Day? If you’re a woman with children or not, I hope you’re included in that! All women should be able to enjoy Mother’s Day.
I love this quote by Sheri Dew that says, “Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.” So even if you don’t have children yet, know that you have the heart of a mother and can still influence others as a mother could.
I remember when I was 18 years old, our church congregation asked all the women 18 and older to stand to get a special treat for Mother’s Day. I can’t remember what it was specifically (probably chocolate or a flower), but I loved being able to stand with these other women. Because we are all mothers and have motherly characteristics to care and nurture the children around us.
When we were first married, Mother’s Day was a fun holiday. My husband would get some small little gifts and we would make Mother’s Day gifts for our moms. Usually the men cooked the meal and it was a nice day.
Now… I’m a mom of 5 kids and Mother’s Day is mostly like every other day. Not for the lack of my husband trying and the kids giving me their sweet cards and breakfast in bed. It’s just that we’re outnumbered and have small children who still need lots of help. There’s hair to be done, kids to dress, breakfast to be made, shoes and socks to find, fighting to break up, reminders to share, and questions (so many questions all the time) are asked. And usually we’re rushing to get to church.
But my point is, is that I keep my Mother’s Day expectations low. Low low low. Otherwise I get really frustrated about the day. So here are some of my tips yo help you enjoy Mother’s Day.
Communicate What You Want
One of my very favorite Mother’s Day was when my 4th baby was 6 months old. He slept best when being held (not ideal). But all I wanted was a Sunday afternoon nap. So I told my husband I wanted a nap and he was totally fine with that. So I took my 6 month old upstairs, snuggled him up, and we both got a good nap. It was so nice! But my husband may not have known I just really wanted a nap so I made sure to tell him so I could get it. I’m a big believer in just telling your spouse what you need.
If you want breakfast in bed, tell your husband.
If you want flowers, tell your husband.
If you want a foot massage, tell your husband.
He may not know unless you tell him what you would like!
Don’t Cook
One of my favorite breaks about Mother’s Day is not cooking. But I give my husband a hand by planning something that’s simple to make. Crockpot meals are some of the best or something you can grill on the BBQ. Make it easy for you to sit out. This Cream Cheese Chicken crockpot recipe is a favorite in our family. Or try these crockpot BBQ ribs are so tasty! The pictures aren’t on the blog anymore, but the recipe is really good.
Remember The Small Moments
Remember that even though your kids know it’s Mother’s Day, that doesn’t mean they’ll be kinder to each other. (Because that’s how I really want to enjoy Mother’s Day – with no fighting!) Embrace the few moments when they smile and give you a hug and say “Happy Mother’s Day!” but if your kids are like my kids, that ends the extra thoughtfulness for the day. Keep a picture of THAT moment in your mind throughout the day so you can keep smiling.
Get Gifts in Advance
If you have gifts to buy or make for your mother, mother-in-law, and whoever else you might be celebrating, get or make the gifts in advance so you don’t have to stress about it. Your weekend will be so much better if you don’t have to stay up all night crafting or quickly running to the store. One of my favorite gifts I made for my mom was animal handprints of each of my kids. I usually do them the year after they turn one on Mother’s Day, but you can do it anytime. We had an elephant, giraffe, lion, monkey, and sloth.
Help All Women Enjoy Mother’s Day
Remember that even though it’s your day, it’s also a day for all women. So spread the love! Send cards, write texts, give small gifts, tell the women around you that they’re doing a good job because we all need to hear that. If there’s a woman who is positively influencing your children, make sure to let them know.
How will you enjoy Mother’s Day this year?