Dreaming of the perfect Mother’s Day? Here are 5 simple ways to make your best Mothers Day wishes a reality!
Mother’s Day is coming up!
Isn’t it great that someone decided there should be a holiday to appreciate the hard work mama’s put in all year long? Those countless acts of love and service that often go unnoticed or just become routine and mundane.
Well, mama, today is your special day, so let’s make the most of it.
Here are five simple ideas to guarantee you have a meaningful Mother’s Day! Don’t just let that day go by like any other! Turn those Best Mothers Day wishes into a reality.
1. Communicate what you’re hoping for
Before Mother’s Day morning comes around, have a conversation with your husband (and maybe your kids). Share what you’re hoping the holiday will involve.
This doesn’t mean you have to take away every opportunity for surprises.
But… what you don’t want to happen is this: you’re secretly holding on to all of these hopes and expectations – maybe breakfast in bed or a clean house or sentimental gifts. And then.. It doesn’t happen.
Or your husband tries to do something else meaningful, and while you might be grateful, you’re a little sad that you didn’t get “xyz.”
Here’s a story to illustrate the point… I have a friend whose husband went above and beyond, planning an exciting anniversary for her. The day was packed with every activity he thought she’d enjoy. Really, it was very sweet of him.
But after the fact, my friend confided in me that while she was touched, she honestly would’ve been okay with (and maybe prefered) just a simple relaxation day with a small date night dinner.
Point is – don’t expect your family to be full of mind readers!
If you’ve got an idea of something you’re hoping will happen on Mother’s Day, avoid hinting or holding your breathe. Just tell them. Trust me, it’ll be better for everyone involved.
And pro tip: If you say something like, “I’d love some surprises and little gifts on Mother’s Day,” that means you’re giving them full reign to interpret that however they decide.
If you’re fine with that, great! But again, if you’re really hoping for any specific thing at all, just say it.
2. Avoid unrealistic expectations
Whether you’re big into celebrations or would just love some peace and quiet, make sure you keep realistic expectations for the day. Just because you have some best mothers day wishes, it doesn’t mean your day-to-day norm will magically do a 180.
If the daily routine includes kids fighting or huge playtime messes or you being responsible for every meal, please recognize that this norm will probably carry over to Mother’s Day too.
Of course, like we talked about in the previous tip, you can take some steps towards your picture-perfect day with a family conversation.
But remember to have patience when things don’t go completely as planned, especially if it’s because your family is following the norm.
Take a deep breathe, and remember, this is life with kids. It’s not always smooth-sailing, and that’s okay. Just another reminder for this holiday- wow, you’re a mom! What a life!
3. Take action to make the day memorable
You know what can guarantee your best Mothers Day wishes coming true? Taking charge of what’s in your control!
We’ve already talked about communicating and being patient with your family. But this tip is great because you don’t need to rely on anyone else!
Treat yourself, mama! Find one fun and meaningful thing that you can do to make the day feel special. Whether it’s buying your favorite treat or taking a warm bubble bath after the kids are asleep.
Or it could also be something totally unconventional, as long as it will make your day! The important thing is that it feels special to you.
Maybe you get a babysitter so that you can go rock climbing or have time alone to paint or crochet. Maybe you take grab a soda and take a long scenic drive while listening to your favorite podcast in peace.
Just do something out of the ordinary that will help you feel appreciated and rejuvenated on this special day.
4. Look Outside Yourself
I love this quote – “To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves.” (Thomas S. Monson)
Here’s another – “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel appreciated for your endless efforts as a mom on Mother’s Day. It’s okay to hope for little gifts and special activities. You definitely have earned it.
But here’s another perspective, another idea to make Mother’s Day meaningful…
Try looking outside of yourself.
I promise that in loving and serving someone else, you will gain your own boost of happiness.
Think about other mothers in your life, whether it’s your own mom, a friend, or a neighbor. I bet she would appreciate a little extra love and recognition for her efforts, just like you would!
Give her a call, share a gift, or offer to watch her kids so she can have a moment to treat herself as well.
You could also reach out to someone who is struggling on Mother’s Day, whether because of infertility or other loss. Or because they haven’t had the opportunity to be a mother, even though they desire it.
Or maybe consider a friend or babysitter who goes the extra mile for your kiddos, and show your appreciation to her.
Find a way to shower another woman in love and appreciation on Mother’s Day. I bet it’ll bring a smile to both you and her!
5. Journal about your experience
And for my final suggestion – record your motherhood experience!
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and write down a few thoughts about what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, your struggles and your joys.
There’s something so therapeutic about taking the time to journal. As you write, you may have things come to mind that you otherwise would’ve never considered.
Being a mother is a big deal. And it’s worth taking a moment to see how far you’ve come since you started this journey.
So, on Mother’s Day, take a moment to write about it! (Or vlog or whatever is easiest)
Recognize and record your strengths.
Reflect on memories from the past year.
And make goals for the upcoming year.
No one is perfect, so please don’t journal if you’re just going to beat yourself up over every inadequacy. Hopefully, this exercise will do the opposite – allow you to be filled with strength and gratitude for this motherhood experience.
Have the best Mother’s Day yet!
Hopefully you can use one (or multiple) of these tips to create a wonderful holiday. Please don’t just let the day pass by like any other. Take a few steps to make those best Mothers Day wishes a reality!
You are amazing, mama! And Mother’s Day should be a time to celebrate!
I’d love to hear about your Mother’s Day plans or traditions! Drop a comment below, and let’s chat!
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