May is for Mothers

May has arrived and the first "warm weather" celebration is just around the corner. I'm referring to Mother's Day, of course; this year it takes place on May 14th.  Every year, consumers spend a staggering amount on this Hallmark Holiday, with the biggest spenders being in the 35-44 age group, who have to buy for two generations of moms.  Mother's day in the UK is in March, and occurs on the 4th Sunday in Lent, so it is different every year. When my mother was alive, I solved the problem of not being able to find a Mother's Day card in March by honoring her on the American Mother's Day, so she got treated twice!

What do you give your mom on Mother's Day?  Flowers? Chocolates? A fancy brunch? It probably depends on how old you are. How many moms out there still have all the wonky popsicle constructions their children made in grade school? The handmade cards? The "My mom likes..."  (My son wrote that my favorite food was brie cheese and I wouldn't say he was wrong...) What made those handmade gifts so valuable was the time they took to make!  So, what it comes down to is: the best thing you can give mom this Mother's Day is a little of your time. As we grow up and have children of our own, time is one thing in short supply. 

Gift cards are popular gifts but they can seem tacky-like you didn't know what to buy or ran out of time.  But what about a gift certificate for a shared experience?  There's that investment of time again; you are promising to spend time with mom, enjoying something together. Whether it is a trip to the nail salon for a pedicure or a tickets to a show, the important part is the pledge to do it with her.  

So, with Mother's day fast approaching, I'll get back on my soap box and remind everyone that one of the best presents you can give Mom is a photograph WITH the family!  Pictures of the grandkids are nice, but the gift of a photo session with the family will give Mom pictures to treasure for years to come, AND it will give the family pictures to treasure when Mom is no longer with them. If you would like to buy mom a gift certificate for a photography session with me, scheduled at a convenient time, just click on the link. Buy a gift