Celebrating Mothers Day
Celebrating Mother's Day in New Zealand
Recognise your mum as the amazing human being she is, with a special Mother's Day celebration. From flowers to hot air ballooning, gourmet brunch or a family get-together, there are countless ways to thank your mum for doing a top job.
Celebrated in countries around the world, Mother's Day recognises the achievement that is motherhood - and the role that women play in caring for and raising children. Complementing Father's Day, this day recognises the years of mothering that often goes unacknowledged - and unpaid!
Why do we celebrate Mother's Day?
In New Zealand, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May each year. We thank our mums with gifts, cards, flowers and hugs - but where did these Mother's Day traditions begin? According to some, mothers were worshipped in ancient Greece during the festival of Cybele, a Greek goddess and mother.
The ancient Romans also got in on the act, giving gifts to mothers during the Matronalia holiday. In more recent times (well, the 16th century), Christians in Britain and Ireland would visit their ‘mother church' each year on the fourth Sunday of Lent - so, the origins of modern Mother's Day celebrations were thought to come from this Mothering Day, when mothers and their offspring would be brought together.
What can I do that's special this Mother's Day?
If you're looking for a way to show your mum she's number one, why not do something extra special, along with your usual gift for Mother's Day? Try one of our top ten ways to celebrate Mother's Day (or combine them for added effect!):
1. Hold a Mother's Day picnic
Invite your siblings and other family members to a nearby park, maybe somewhere near where you were born or in an area that holds good childhood memories. Make some lunch treats (these should be fairly finger-friendly!) - gourmet sandwiches, crackers and dips, fresh fruit, chocolates and a thermos of hot coffee.
2. Take Mum on a weekend escape
Thank her for being a great mum with a weekend in a secret holiday destination. Tell her to pack her bags, then whisk her away to a nearby (or far away) holiday destination. Find a holiday to suit her style: a relaxing stay at a lakeside holiday bach, a retreat at an isolated location or a fun weekend in a vibrant winter holiday destination like Queenstown.
3. Breakfast in bed
Simple and sweet, breakfast or brunch in bed on Sunday morning is a great way for any Kiwi mum to start her day! It's more affordable than eating at a restaurant and more relaxing too. Just grab supplies for an easy continental breakfast from your local bakery or supermarket - croissants, fresh oranges and grapes, yoghurt, muesli, freshly baked bread, jams and, of course, coffee.
4. Take a trip down memory lane together
Take some time to talk about your memories of growing up; you'll be amazed at the memories that are triggered and the enjoyment you can get from reliving past experiences.
5. Get your brothers and sisters together
How often does Mum get to see all her siblings at once? If you've got brothers and sisters, get them together for the day if possible. Get everyone to bring a dish for lunch or dinner, so Mum doesn't have to play host. Don't forget to arrange for a few bottles of bubbly too!
6. Go on a dinner date with your mum
Take your mum to an unusual or special restaurant for a memorable dinner. Find highly recommended restaurants by reading restaurant reviews online or book a table at her favourite restaurant.
7. Take an interest in your mum
Whatever your mum's interests are, follow them for the day. Find out if there's an art exhibition she wants to see, a garden she'd like to visit, a musical performance she's been hanging out to see. Surprise her with a thoughtful outing that's all about her. If you've got a mum that is so busy all the time and all she needs is an at home mini-break, something as simple as picking up a Mother's Day DVD that she loves will show her that you appreciate her.
8. Don't forget pregnant mums!
Mums-to-be are sometimes overlooked on Mother's Day, but this will be a special time for them too, as they contemplate beginning on the road of motherhood. If your partner or friend is expecting, take her a little pampering gift for her own enjoyment (bath crystals, candles, a book of Mother's Day poems) or something for when the baby arrives (a great memento gift is a kit for creating a 3D image of a newborn's tiny hands and feet).
9. Have flowers delivered
One of the most-loved Mother's Day gifts, and for good reason, is a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. They're a luxury and a pleasure to have around the house - and there's nothing easier than sending flowers with a personalised message attached. This is a great choice for those far away from Mum on Mother's Day - to be followed on the day by a phone call, of course.
10. Fly high
Take an above-ground tour of the city in a hot air balloon. These flights are awe-inspiring, adventuresome and once-in-a-lifetime stuff - perfect for a special ‘thank you Mum' experience. Combine with a champagne breakfast if your budget allows to really celebrate Mother's Day with a bang!
Looking for more information on Mother's Day? Check out our other Mother's Day articles on NZS.com.
Get published online by adding an article to the NZS.com Articles section. Before you add your article read over our guidelines for article creation and find out the benefits of publishing on NZS.com.
Seasons and Celebrations images from Flickr: Mother Child, Mother and Wife and Pregnant Profile II.
