Let’s Celebrate Mother’s Day!

There’s no one like a mom. From teaching little ones how to tie their shoes to cheering at every sporting event and dance recital, and soothing someone who isn’t feeling well, mothers are traditionally the heart of the family. That’s why they are celebrated each year on the second Sunday in May.

According to Wikipedia, Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or an individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.

Moving soon? WayForth is your go-to move management company for all of your moving needs. From downsizing, to storage, and more, we have you covered. Schedule a consultation today!

A little history

The first Mother’s Day in the U.S. was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia at a worship service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in 1907. It was the idea of Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor sacrifices made by mothers after her own mother’s death.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the national holiday to honor mothers.

Since then, the holiday has become a mixture of special family celebrations, gifts, and cards. Grandmothers, people who have stepped in as a mother figure, and even soon-to-be mothers are also celebrated.

Around the world

While U.S. traditions are now more about flowers and food – often brunch or breakfast in bed – other cultures around the world honor mothers as well.

• In Thailand, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. Often children present garlands of white jasmine to show their love.
• In Ethiopia, families gather to sing and feast as part of Antrosht, a fall season celebration that honors motherhood.
• In India, there is an annual 10-day festival called Durga Puja, that honors Durga who is known as the goddess of mothers. Food, gifts and decorations are part of the tradition.
• In Japan, the day is a way to honor mothers both living and dead. Giving carnations is popular because their smell symbolizes the sweetness of motherhood.
• In France, the tradition started in 1920 when the French government gave medals to women who had large families in gratitude for helping rebuild the population after World War I. Today, children give mothers flower-shaped cakes.

Ideas for senior moms

While many people celebrate in traditional ways, you may consider different versions of Mother’s Day as your loved one’s age or transition into senior living community settings. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Spend time with your mother or grandmother when it’s right for her. Some people get overwhelmed with large celebrations or a full restaurant. Maybe you can suggest a special family meal at home or choose a day when restaurants aren’t as hectic.
• Choose gifts that mean something to your mom. Ask her what she would like or take your cues from her lifestyle. Does she enjoy tending potted plants? Is it hard for her to go shopping for new clothes? Finding something that makes her life a little better will certainly mean a lot.
• Invite other family members to deliver or send letters, stories, poems or pictures. Having something tangible to read and look at is enjoyable long after the day is over.
• When a mom says that all they really want is to spend time with you, they mean it. Time is an important commodity as seniors age and a personal visit is a wonderful way to share stories, catch up on life and enjoy each other’s company.

Whatever you do to celebrate this coming Mother’s Day, we hope it’s a fun one!

At WayForth, we help people with moving solutions including floor planning, packing, decluttering and moving into their new space. If you would like to talk to us about our services for seniors and families, contact us today.