A Socially Distant Mother’s Day Guide

The running joke in our house is that Mother’s Day will obviously take place in quarantine, but stay-at-home orders will be lifted just in time for Father’s Day.

However you’re able to celebrate Mother’s Day in a year born of social distancing, most likely, it’s going to be a bit different then you’ve been used to doing previously. So embrace your inner techie, come up with a sweet Zoom backdrop to use as you celebrate with friends and family, and create some fun craft ideas for your children to make you. It’s unfortunate, especially in our house with a mom who isn’t super crafty (me), that the amazing teachers who usually facilitate the process might not be an active part of Mother’s Day crafting. Add it to the long list of reasons why teachers are incredible.

If this isn’t the year you go over the top in showing mom how grateful you are of her, I’m not sure what it’s going to take.

Send Mom Food From Her Favorite Restaurant

Are there places mom used to spend her time dining prior to takeout-only recommendations? Place a takeout or delivery order from an establishment you think she would enjoy and send it to her on Mother’s Day. This will also help support a local restaurant, a win-win.

Make Mom a Cloth Mask That Defines Her

The idea of wearing a mask outside of a healthcare or construction environment used to be a foreign concept, but now it’s our reality. Make this already socially awkward situation more comfortable by creating a mask for your mom that contains a bit of her flair. If she has a favorite color or interest, make sure the design matches that. You’re not only keeping mom safe with this, but you’re bringing as much levity as you can to what can be a scary situation.

Create Mom a Video of Memories

Want waterworks? This might just do it. You can create this simply with the tap of record on a smartphone. Once the video is recording, share with your mom everything you love about her and everything about her you’re thankful for. You can also have your siblings do the same and piece them all together.

Drive by Mom’s House with Signs and Balloons in Tow

This is such a sweet gesture and something you’ve probably seen done to celebrate birthdays or big occasions across the country. Disclaimer: If you haven’t seen your mom in person during this quarantine, driving by and actually seeing her might pull at the heartstrings a bit, but I guarantee it will be something that puts a smile on both your faces even if tears are flowing.

Send Mom Flowers

There’s nothing more classic and appropriate on Mother’s Day than this. Check out if her local florist is delivering, and this could also be a great way to support a small business. And honestly, what mom wouldn’t love receiving flowers from their child, whether they are roses or dandelions.

Bake with Mom or for Mom

If you are fortunate enough to be quarantined with your mom during Mother’s Day, set aside some time to bake together. Whether it’s a favorite recipe of yours or a traditional family recipe of hers, make it a kitchen date. As a child of an Italian mom, I can say that this is not only a great way to spend time together, but one of the best opportunities to learn some amazing tips and tricks from a legit pro. If mom isn’t a member of your quarantine squad, bake something for her and get it delivered.

Take a Virtual Class with Mom

There are so many chances during quarantine to find a virtual class that suits her interest. If you have a mom that likes to workout, look into fitness classes you could do together while apart. If cooking is more your pace, there’s plenty of these classes to attend too. If you can’t make the actual class time, search on YouTube, and you’ll find some great videos. Create a Zoom meeting and share your screen with mom so that you can watch and do it together.

This is a different time and absolutely will be a Mother's Day many of us won't forget but do your best to make it memorable for all of the right reasons. If you can't physically be with your mom on Mother's Day, make sure you save up a really big hug to give her when you're able. I know I can't wait to give mine!