I’m just going to say it, I don’t like Mother’s day. No, it’s not because I’m a motherless mother. That doesn’t make it any better, but I would still hate that day even if she was alive.
I hear some mothers have it great. They get massages or breakfast in bed. They either get to spend quality time with their kids or if they choose the opposite, spend quality time without their kids. But for most of us, me included, it’s a day rife with stress and/or disappointment. Mother’s Day is like New Year’s Eve: a whole lot of build up that almost never lives up to the hype.
For me this year, I chose to immerse myself in the “pre-game”. I reflected on all the women who raised me as surrogate moms. I poured over other people’s blogs about being a mom. I loved all the silly crafts and notes that came home from school. You can always count on preschoolers to shower you with presents and mine did not disappoint. I have more painted flowerpots full of marigolds than you can shake a stick at.
A Time I Barely Remember
For the older kids who don’t incorporate it as much in their school day, there wasn’t much from them but what I did was find old home videos of when they were toddlers and babies so I got to relish in all the cuteness I barely noticed then because they were all young at once. Thank goodness for video memories.
So Mother’s Day itself provided nothing extra except the ability to not make dinner or lunches for Monday (thanks Dear) but the week leading up to Mother’s Day was just the opportunity I needed to reflect on all the reasons I love being a mom the other 364 days a year.
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I am just so glad I am not the only one. I wasn’t sure why I really don’t like Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day for that matter) considering I love being a Mom and I love and appreciate my own mother. I had a feeling it had to do with the fact that I dislike being told when and how to celebrate something but what you said about being anti-climatic and disappointing also hit a chord with me. This Mother’s Day was case in point. Had it not been Mother’s Day I would have been perfectly happy probably even thrilled with the day. There were flowers, cute cards, and a lovely 3 hour nap. However, since the day was now labeled and was suddenly filled with expectations a simple question of “What would you like for dinner?” from my husband triggered frustration and annoyance. I mean it’s Mother’s Day, he should have the whole day figured out and have this lovely dinner planned, right? Umm, no. So suddenly, the day was tinged with disappointment and then guilt from feeling disappointment, since as a mother I should appreciate what ever is done for me. Ugh! No thanks. I love my family and they love me every day — no special day needed. I think next year I’ll try your walk down memory lane…