This week, I would have had our homeschool group over to make mother’s day presents. It’s a tradition I started back in 2010. Many public school students, particularly elementary age, make Mother’s Day cards or gifts in class to take home. I wanted to do something similar for the homeschool moms in our group.
Each year, we make inexpensive gifts. The craft depends on my mood, and also what miscellaneous craft items I have sitting around. We’ve painted reusable shopping bags, built hummingbird feeders, made characters that grow grass seed hair, constructed 3-dimensional bouquet cards, and more. The moms have been very trusting, despite my periodic threats to have the kids make rock necklaces. With really heavy rocks. Ha. Maybe next year.
It’s a very fun day for me. I absolutely love seeing what the kids come up with. Here’s a post with more on how I organize it and what I love about it.
The kids always take my basic ideas and make them better. And, as with all acts of giving, I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. These projects leave me feeling like I just might be a good person. Never mind whether the recipient appreciates their rock necklace or not.
I’ve been trying to stay upbeat and hang in there with all the things we’ve had to give up due to coronavirus but periodically I’m sad about our losses, however small they may seem in the whole scheme of things. Mom’s Day presents have been a fun part of our spring for a long time.
Many traditions are being upended this year – whether it’s our group’s Mother’s Day presents, a traditional brunch out, or a trip to the movies together. It’s okay to be sad about these losses. Let yourself grieve for the things we’ve missed, but then I think you should work to look forward with hope.
Here are some suggestions for celebrating this Mother’s Day during coronavirus:
Give back to your kids. They can use some encouragement right now. It’s a very tough time for them too. Write them a letter about how much you appreciate them. Sit down and play a board game with them. Bake a batch of their favorite cookies (and make sure you eat a few). Look at their baby pictures together.
Make it about someone else – a relative, neighbor, nursing home resident, or other moms. You and your kids can send an e-mail or put a post on their Facebook page about what qualities you think make them a great mom. Or plan ahead and get an old-fashioned handwritten letter in the mail for a special surprise.
Finally, take some time to yourself. We’ve all heard about the importance of self-care. Make a point of actually doing this. For many of us, it means some time alone. Afterward though, try and balance that isolation with the gift of giving to others in a way that best suits you.
It’s okay to be sad that our normal traditions have been disrupted. You’re not alone in feeling this way. I do suggest that we combat any sadness by celebrating others and helping to raise their spirits. I guarantee it will lift us up as well.
