2020 hasn't exactly been going "as planned." Most of us barely know the difference between a Monday and a Saturday these days, so brace yourself for this one - Mother's Day is next weekend.
Don't worry you still have a week. But the typical Annapolis brunch reservation or spa day with the girls isn't on the menu this year. Creativity is going to be key in 2020.
I know this is a crazy time. For a lot of people, thinking about celebrating is challenging. Jobs have been lost, people are getting sick every single day, and normal routines have been turned upside down and sideways.
For me, although this time is mentally challenging, my mom is still here pushing me through it. She is always willing to drop everything for a hug and is constantly putting me first and thinking about my needs, even when I don't know what it is I need. I'm lucky enough to be quarantined with my parents right now and I'm excited for the opportunity to focus on her for a change with absolutely no distractions. Momma, get ready for an extravaganza - quarantine style!
If you are Quarantined with Mom:
Lawn/living room picnic. Grab your favorite blanket and your finest china - or paper plates. Eat out of the containers even, NO RULES! Cups with lids are probably in your best interest though. Follow with a game of frisbee or other park-like game.
Home spa day. Not just a paper facemask, I'm talkin' the WORKS. Turn on the spa sounds playlist on Spotify, dim the lights in the whole house. Do mom's nails, while dad gives her a shoulder massage. Serve cucumber water. Light candles (safely) in every room. Make your own organic face mask with kitchen supplies!
DIY class. Paint and sip nights, cooking, and mixology classes are all the rage right now. Why not bring it home? Do a craft day where you make macaroni cards. Find all the chocolate and wine you have in the house and make up what pairings you think are best. Present a cooking class - whether it's Baked Alaska or PB&J. Easy for kids or adults, jean lean in.
Backyard campout. Depending on your town's weather, break out the camping gear in your backyard. Tents, s'mores, scary stories, make it happen!
Breakfast in bed. You know the drill. Wake up early and make Mom's favorite foods. Add a single flower and a special note as an extra touch. Look up how to make fun shapes out of paper or cloth napkins, too.
(BONUS) Change of scenery. Take a drive! Place a pick-up order for your favorite restaurant that's too far for delivery. We drove up to Baltimore the other day, just to drive around by the water and pick up some seafood. It's nice to get out of the house in a safe way.
If a visit isn't in the cards this year:
Order online with a twist. Use a regular gift giving method, but spice up the delivery a bit. Since shipping times are a bit skewed these days, have Mom play hangman over Zoom where the answer is the name of your gift. Maybe play the virtual version of a game like "Codenames" - if she wins, give her a clue to what the gift is. If the gift does come in time, have whoever is quarantined with Mom, hide the gift in the house somewhere and send her on a scavenger hunt. It's about having fun and spending time together.
Mom Parade. Set up stops at sibling or friends houses for Mom to drive to - wave, sing, and dance from the sidewalk. Or put on your nicest suit and drive Mom around with the windows down and the music up. Have her show off that Princess wave! This is Mom's day to feel like royalty.
Order flowers. Why fix what ain't broke? 1-800-Flowers is offering contactless delivery and still have delivery slots available to get there before Mother's Day - but act fast!
Digitize it all. Make a digital family cookbook, or scan Mom's favorite photos into an online album. I recently saw a grandson turn his grandfather's old journals into an audiobook for his grandmother who was starting to lose her eyesight!
Make a date. When all else fails we can always make plans for the future. Design a raincheck coupon with crayons, markers, Word, whatever you have. Dinner and a movie, hanging up the new tv, tea party, whatever mom wants.
Hope one of these ideas works for you, or at least sparks some inspiration! Let me know if you have more ideas or if you tried one out. Good luck, have fun - and Happy Mother's Day!
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