Oh joy, it’s that time of year again. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and spring sports gear is being dragged out. I catch a glimpse of my calendar and there it is — written in small, cute, italic font: Mother’s Day. How delightful. A day meant to celebrate my journey into motherhood. But let’s be real — it’s a joke.
As the mom, I am the planner, the organizer, and the one who executes all family events, holidays, and gatherings. So who’s really in charge of this day? Who’s planning my celebration? More importantly, who’s ensuring that all the other mothers in our lives are treated like queens on their special day? The issue with Mother’s Day? There are just too many mothers. I’m a mother, my mother is a mother, and her mother was one too. My partner has a mother, and his sisters are mothers as well. The list goes on! So, while I’d love to be counting down the days until my special day, I’m out there picking up cards and flowers for everyone else. Moms don’t get to pause the to-do list, even on their own designated day.
Perhaps we could make a deal? Maybe we should declare that Mother’s Day is only for mothers with young children. The ones who are truly in the trenches. Once your kids hit adulthood, it might be time to pass the Mother’s Day torch to those still up all night dealing with diapers and tantrums. Or how about we petition for a Grandmother’s Day? Not to be confused with Groundhog Day, but close enough. We could schedule it during a quieter time of the year or maybe combine it with Father’s Day. That seems fitting.
Let’s be honest — actually relaxing on Mother’s Day is nearly impossible. Even if I wish to indulge in a massage or a good book, I’d feel guilty for not celebrating with my kids, the very beings who gave me that title. Who walks away from their kids right after receiving homemade cards and backyard flowers? On a holiday of all days! That kid-favorite word, filled with expectations of planned events, food, and fun — all the things I’m responsible for.
Lucky for companies like Hallmark, no one will ever truly know the reality of this day. Mothers everywhere will flood social media with perfect pictures, each captioned with hashtags like #family and #blessedmom. Scroll through their feeds to see their children’s handprint flower art because what kind of mother doesn’t showcase her #blessings publicly on her special day?
Here’s a thought: instead of cramming gratitude for a whole bunch of people into one made-up day, why not celebrate our motherhood in small, meaningful moments throughout the year? Like that family beach day when suddenly the kids are happy and entertained, leaving you alone to enjoy the sand and sun — that’s Mother’s Day. Or when your son grabs your hand during a family walk, or when your daughter surprises you with a hug. When your partner makes dinner, or when your new jeans fit just right. Those are the moments we should cherish — spontaneous, joyful instances that remind us we are appreciated. No expectations, no stress, just pure goodness. That’s the real essence of Mother’s Day.
Jamie Taylor is a stay-at-home mom of four who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She resides in Salem, Massachusetts.
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Summary: This article humorously critiques the expectations surrounding Mother’s Day, highlighting the irony of mothers being responsible for planning their own celebrations while also catering to others. It suggests that genuine moments of appreciation should be celebrated throughout the year instead of being crammed into one day.
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