Mother’s Day brings me so much happiness because I have a kid of my own, but it also makes me realize that there are a lot of people out there who have to put on a brave face. Mother’s Day can be particularly sad if the pain of losing your mother is still fresh in your heart. Even if it’s been more than a decade, you might still find yourself looking for ways to survive this holiday.
But Mother’s Day is a celebration of love and life. That is why I’d like to offer you five tips that can help you survive Mother’s Day without your mom while keeping her memory alive.
Don’t Pressure Yourself To Feel A Certain Way
You might have lost your mom recently or maybe it’s been a few years. Regardless, Mother’s Day brings back a lot of memories. You might not feel like you deserve to be cheerful. But you sometimes forget that you’re a mom too and it’s your turn to create some amazing memories with your kids. You may need some time to get used to the fact that she’s gone, and that’s completely okay. If you’re not feeling a hundred percent like yourself, that’s okay too. And if you feel like taking the kids to Disney, doing your makeup, celebrating, and smiling on every single photo, guess what? That’s totally okay too. Your feelings are your feelings. Allow yourself to deal with this in your own personal way.
Do Something To Honor Her Memory
Get together with the kids, grab a few balloons and some Sharpies, and write beautiful messages for your mom. Then drive the little ones to the park and set the balloons free. As the wind carries the balloons up, it feels like they’re going to heaven. It’s really a lovely tradition that your kids will likely continue long after you’re gone.
Recreate Her Favorite Dish
Do you remember that dish that your mom used to always cook for you? I do. My mom used to make the most delicious macaroni and cheese in the entire world. I’m totally not exaggerating. No one cooks like her, and believe me, I tried to replicate her recipes. I used to ask her to make it twice a week when I was a kid. It was that good! Now that you’re a mom, find that one dish that completely embodies her. Maybe it’s the smell of cinnamon or hot Italian coffee. Maybe the taste of Sheppard’s pie takes you back to the good old times. Find a recipe that reminds you of her and get the kids to help prepare it. It’ll give you a great opportunity to bond.
Stay Off Social Media If You Need To
It’s okay if you don’t feel like dealing with the loss of your mother. You may feel like this day is hard enough as it is. So if you’d prefer to stay off social media to avoid all those online ads that show happy mothers and daughters doing things together, go on a social media cleanse…at least for a few days.
Talk About Your Mom
The best way to keep the memory alive is to reminisce, so sit with the kids and share a story of something funny she did or something that happened to you that was hilarious. It’s a wonderful way to focus on the positive rather than on the fact that she’s no longer with you. Keep her memory alive by casually bringing her up, making her a part of your daily life.
