5 Things NOT to do for your Mom for Mother’s Day… and 3 Great Ideas!

Celebrating Mother’s Day

The history of Mother’s Day is fascinating. Originally championed by Ann Jarvis in 1908 in honor of her own mother who had died. Ann wanted the day to encourage mourning women who had lost loved ones during the war and to also challenge women to work for peace. Ann’s idea was to show appreciation and honor of one’s mother by spending time with her and through personal handwritten letters expressing love and gratitude.

The “business” of Mother’s Day began soon after President Woodrow Wilson established it as an official observation in 1911. Ann was so outraged by the commercialization of Mother’s Day that she spent most of her life protesting strongly against those profiting from the day.

So for over one hundred years, we have celebrated Mother’s Day. With Ann’s vision in mind, let’s look at what NOT to do for Mom this year.

Here are 5 things NOT to do for your Mom for Mother's Day... Click To Tweet

5 Things NOT to Do for Your Mom for Mother’s Day:

1. Don’t go in debt for her gift.

2. Don’t buy a card and just sign it.

3. Don’t send a gift and/or a card and not make the effort to talk to her.

4. Don’t give her a gift that marketing says she will want (jewelry, flowers, perfume, etc.) but clearly says you don’t know your mom at all. (Unless you know her specific favorite flower or favorite perfume.)

5. Don’t think a one day event is all your mom needs or wants from you.

Every mom is different and how you honor her will be as unique as she is. Here are 3 ideas you can shape around her uniqueness that will show your love and gratitude.

Here are 3 Great Ideas for Mother’s Day:

1. Plan some time just for her.

A special outing to a new restaurant, a special ice cream place, picnic, or formal dinner. Or maybe for your mom it would be doing a special project like gardening together or maybe even a ministry project like cooking food together for those unable to leave their homes. The key will be the time and effort you give that says clearly you know your mom and love her.

2. A personal message for her.

Write a card and/or letter where you have taken the time to be personal with her. You remember in words the many ways your Mom has served, given, and made an impact on your life and on the lives of others. You encourage her and also challenge her to keep using her gifts to impact the lives of others.

3. Go to church with her.

A mother of faith has prayed consistently for the faith of her children. It is a special blessing to her to worship with those she loves.

Scripture is clear on giving honor to mothers (and fathers). So honor your Mom or a woman who has been significant in your life and celebrate Mother’s Day the way Ann Jarvis originally intended.

Honor your Mom or a woman who has been significant in your life and celebrate Mother's Day this week! Click To Tweet

“Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3

What special things do you like as a Mom or do you plan to do to honor your Mom?

Happy Mother’s Day!

Blessings,