Celebrate Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a perfect time to celebrate your mother and all her wonderful qualities. Why not make this one the best Mother's Day she's ever had?

Discuss the day with your other family members. You don't want to step on anyone's toes! Perhaps your older sister was thinking of bringing Mom to the water park for the day--you could all pitch in and have a fun afternoon. Or maybe Dad heard Mom mention how nice a relaxing day at the spa would be. The more information you have, the better a decision you can come to. Remember: multiple brains are always better than one. Consider giving her a gift. Be it a stuffed animal and a card, or a new patio set for the deck, a gift is always appreciated. Flowers and chocolates are one option, or consider a photo collage of her as a mother. A fancy recipe book of all the family recipes would be nice as well. And you can't go wrong with a gift certificate to her favorite store! Think about your mother as a person; think about what she likes to do. Show you know her by choosing a thoughtful gift.

Devise a plan for the day.You have tons of options, depending on where you live, what your mother likes to do, and how much money you can spend. Is she always on the go? One choice is to spend the day relaxing at home--make her a healthy breakfast, run her a bubble bath, watch some movies and reminisce about the past. Or you can take her out--go to a museum, a waterpark, the movie theater, a play, or pack a picnic and grill out at the park. Another option is to give her a break and send her off for a day alone, perhaps at the spa for a manicure, pedicure, and haircut. Meet her for lunch and give her your gift. Whatever you decide, make sure you focus on Mom today.Make contact. If you live across the country or overseas, and can't celebrate with Mom, be sure to send a sweet card and give her a phone call. Perhaps include a gift certificate with the card, or send a small gift. You could even order flowers from one of the many websites that offer those services. But overall, a phone call is a must. Your voice is a wonderful gift to a mother whose baby is far away.

Tears aren't always a bad thing! On Mother's Day especially, when her babies are giving her their praise and thanks, Mom can get very emotional. Let her cry, give her a big hug, and tell her how much you love her. For those of you whose mother has passed away, consider adopting a mother for the day. Nursing homes are often a lonely place, especially on Mother's Day. Women without families may sit alone all day, watching families come and go, but having no visitors herself. Stop in with a bouquet of flowers and ask the nurse's station if there is an elderly woman who would enjoy some company. Though it takes some courage, this small deed can change someone's month, including yours!Is a woman in your life pregnant? She can still celebrate Mother's Day. Order fresh flowers and attach a sweet note, or give her a keepsake baby item--perhaps a sterling silver "Mom" keychain or another small token. Use discretion, however. If she's had a difficult pregnancy, and the baby may not make full term, perhaps you shouldn't try this.

Don't be selfish and make today about you. Okay, so you want her to co-sign on a new car for you? Fine, but don't ask her today. It will look like you're only being nice to butter her up and agree to whatever you ask. This is a definite no-no. Don't bring up past issues. She may have been into drugs when you were a kid, and forgot you at school a lot, but don't talk about that today. Try to focus on the better times, when she supported one of your decisions, or when she did something silly and made everyone laugh. Again, don't step on your siblings' toes. Let them in on your great idea for the day and allow them to participate. It's not Your Day, it's Mother's Day, and if you have brothers and sisters it means she's a mother to more than just you. Bring the family closer by allowing everyone to show their love and affection for Mom. If your younger brother has already made solid plans for the day without anyone else's consent, why not give her two Mother's Days? What a bonus surprise for her!