Dr. Mandeep Kaur
COVID-19 has changed the way we do just about everything – especially how we celebrate special occasions. This year, Mother’s Day which celebrates motherhood and the contribution of mothers in society, will be particularly difficult for many, especially for those who are unable to celebrate with mom in person, or may be mourning the recent loss of a loved one. Given these challenging circumstances, Mother’s Day 2020 will look very different from the typical brunch festivities many are accustomed to, but there’s no shortage of ways to make this a special day for any mom or mother figure in your life.
The origin of Mother’s Day is attributed to two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis to encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. On May 8th, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution that designated Mother’s Day to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Mother’s day speical
Timeless traditions
Breakfast in Bed: When mom doesn’t want to wake up to tea, fresh coffee, and pancakes for breakfast. This is an easy, fun solution to keep your kids engaged and excited, while cooking up something delicious for mom.
Homemade Arts and Crafts: Parents can work with kids to make simple, yet meaningful art creations from home. Some ideas include hand/foot prints, noodle necklaces, painted flower pots or a simple card made with construction paper and markers.
A ‘Mixed Tape’: Work on idea of making a playlist with mom’s favorite songs with some exercise into it by using the playlist to have a dance party with the whole family.
Flowers, Online Gifts, and Takeout: You still have time to order mom flowers for delivery or personal gifts online. If you want to host a special brunch or dinner for mom, you can order delivery to support local businesses and elegantly plate the food so it feels more special for mom.
New Norms during pandemic
Virtual Gatherings: Many of us will celebrate Mother’s Day virtually this year. Host a get together on Face Time, Skype, or House Party. Planning an online ‘party’ with singing, laughter and food in each home. For families that are separated during quarantine, a video call could be the answer to spending time together. Since the pandemic began, multiple aspects of daily life has been transitioned to online video meetings, like happy hours or workout sessions on zoom, webex or google hangouts.
Share Love on Social Media: If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, share a photo of you and mom with a special message. All of the likes and comments will surely make mom smile.
Family Walk or Exercise: If the weather cooperates, be sure to get outside and take a socially-distanced walk with the family, or set up a fun exercise class at home for mom and the kids to do together.
Video Card: Because of lockdown, one can’t make it to the card store. Smart phones have made it easier than ever to record special sentiments that mom can keep forever. Make it a tradition and she can watch her child grow throughout the years. It’s eco-friendly, too.
Write an actual letter: If spending money is out of the question and your family isn’t equipped with the tools needed to spend time together online, there is still a way to show your gratitude to your mother on her special day. An actual letter will be much more meaningful than an email or a text. Try to write about few memories you have together and what you remember the most about them.
What Mothers Can Do
Sleep: There’s no doubt that the pandemic can take its toll on your sleep pattern. So try to spend some extra much-needed time in bed in the morning. It’s YOUR day!
Manage Stress: The best ways to manage stress are to connect socially, stay active, disconnect from work and enjoy living in the moment with your family.
Practice Gratitude: Use Mother’s Day to kick off the use of a gratitude journal, and write down and reflect on things you are grateful for every day and this has proven to increase happiness.
(The author is Assistant Professor Dept of oral pathology & microbiology Indira Gandhi Govt Dental College, Jammu)
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