Mother’s Day fast approaches, and it is a great day to honor the mothers in our lives. We may still have our moms, or we may have people who acted like moms when we most needed one. For some of us, that person might be a grandmother, aunt, teacher, or even older sister or cousin.
On Sunday, May 14, we will celebrate this national holiday for the 115th time. The holiday honoring motherhood in America was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Anna was from West Virginia but somehow got Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker to back her idea for the first official Mother’s Day celebration. She held a small ceremony at the Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. Still, on that same day, thousands of people showed up at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia to attend the new Mother’s Day event.
Ironically, Jarvis never married and was childless her whole life. Still, she was hell-bent on seeing her holiday added to the national calendar. She started a massive letter-writing campaign getting women to write to newspapers and politicians pressing for her holiday honoring motherhood. At that time, American holidays only celebrated the achievements of men.
Unfortunately, Anna could not foresee this becoming the commercialized holiday it morphed into over the years. She spent the latter part of her life trying to get the holiday erased from the calendar. Regardless of her regret, the holiday has lasted as one of the most celebrated days of the year. More cards are sold on Mother’s Day than any other holiday nearly every year.
When we think of Mother’s Day, we think of the women in our lives that have impacted us. Some are our birthmothers, but many are those that have helped us grow, been there for us in tough times, or been “mother figures.” We honor them on this day too. Yes, it has become somewhat commercialized, but that doesn’t take away from the sentiment and positivity of letting those women who have been our champions know that we see them, love them, and honor them for all they do.
Traditional Gifts
When we think of Mother’s Day gifts, we think of cards, flowers, and all manners of mom-friendly items. For some mothers, that means impractical things like bouquets of roses or candy. Still, for many moms, gifts can be household items and things that make their life a little easier. For some, it can mean a gift of pampering, like a spa day, a massage, or a facial.
Our local stores are gearing up with gifts for moms, and you have plenty of choices regarding traditional gifts or some unusual ones. National Road’s Rusty Rooster is holding their 4th annual Spring Fling Event on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, from 9 am to 5 pm. They are at 15589 E. National Road, Marshall, Illinois, will have 15 vendors offering things from candles, jewelry, and craft items. The garden center will be open till dusk with many gift ideas for Mom.
Treat Mom to a Nice Meal (that she doesn’t have to cook)
One of the perks of living in Marshall is some darn good food! Taking mom to brunch, lunch, or dinner can be part of the festivities. Luckily, here in Marshall, we have some lovely restaurants to choose from. You can take Mom for a fancy coffee drink and luscious baked treat at one of our coffee shops, lunch or awesome pizza if she prefers, or dinner at one of our restaurants. You don’t have to leave town to treat Mom to something special.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking
If you are a little short of cash, there are other ways to honor those “moms” in your life. You can make homemade cards with some inexpensive supplies. Plan a simple picnic and take her to one of our lovely parks. Marshall has many amazing green spaces. If you can cook, make her dinner at home.
You can buy one rose instead of a dozen. Sometimes, one perfect rose and a small personal note can mean more than a big bunch of flowers. Plants are less expensive, too, and they last longer. Mom can plant that in the yard, set it on the kitchen window sill, and enjoy it as it grows. Maybe a basil or oregano plant that is fragrant and gives her herbs to use.
Mom does a lot for her family, friends, and loved ones. Get index cards or even post-it notes and give Mom some “promise notes” or IOU’s. Promise to do the laundry and cooking, that you will take her to the store, or offer to do some chore she would love a break from.
Dare to be different. Think of what will make her happy, and do what you can to make all the women in your life who are there for you feel special on their special day!
