|
 The
holiday began many, many years ago in ancient Greece,
where mothers and maternal gods were honored with an
annual festival. The holiday, in modern times, has evolved
from the notion of "Mothering Sunday" celebrated
in the United Kingdom as a Christian holiday more so than
a celebration of motherhood. Today, many different
variations of Mother's Day exist in nearly every country
of the world during different times of the year, though
the majority celebrates in May.
In today's
world, Mother's Day has become yet another commercialized
holiday. With the media, florists, and Hallmarks heavily
advertising the holiday, there is an unlikely chance you
will forget to celebrate your mother on the second Sunday
of May. When did we forget that Mother's Day should really
be every day?
Don't we
owe it to our mothers to acknowledge our appreciation for
the many wonderful things they have done for us, for our
families, and for our communities? Our mothers do so much
more than make sure we eat all of your vegetables, do well
in school, and look presentable in public. They love us
unconditionally, despite our faults or the mistakes we
make in life. Their love is joyful, tender, fearless,
protective, and empowering. Not only should we celebrate
their love everyday, but we should also learn from their
example.
In honor of
this Mother's Day, let's remember the many special,
wonderful, life-saving things our mothers do for us each
and every day. Do something truly special for your mom on
May 13. Do something that comes from your heart and has
real meaning for you and your family. Above all, remember
your mom on May 14, 15, 16, and every day thereafter!
Need some
ideas on special ways to acknowledge your mother on
Mother's Day or any day of the year? Never underestimate
the power of a handmade card or truly thoughtful gift
idea!
Craft
ideas for younger kids:
Butterfly
Card for Mother's Day
Materials
needed:
•
Construction paper
• Hole
punch
•
Scissors
• Glue
stick
• Pencil
• Markers
or crayons
• Glitter
glue or glitter
1. Fold
two pieces of construction paper in half, making two
card shapes.
2. Put
the two folded cards together (one inside the other).
3. Along
the fold of one of them, draw half a butterfly.
4.
Keeping the two cards together, cut along the line you
just drew. You will now have two butterflies.
5. On
only one of the butterflies, fold it in half again and
draw a smaller butterfly within it.
6. Cut
along the line you just drew.
7. Using
the hole punch, make a series of holes along the edges
of the two pieces you just cut.
8. Glue
one of these pieces onto the larger, uncut butterfly.
9. Flip
the large butterfly over, and glue on the other cut
piece.
10. Cut a
black or brown body for your butterfly. Glue it onto the
inside of your butterfly.
11. You
now have a nice butterfly card. Write a message on your
card.
12.
Decorate your butterfly with crayons, markers, glitter
glue, or glitter.
Tissue
Paper Flowers
Materials
needed:
• Tissue
paper (crepe paper)
• Green
pipe cleaners (or twist
ties)
1. Cut a
few pieces (about 4-6) of tissue paper (crepe paper)
about 8 x 10 inches (the exact size doesn't matter).
2. Put
the paper in a pile and fold it like an accordion.
3. Tie
the center of the folded paper with a green pipe cleaner
(or twist tie).
4. Gently
pull each piece of paper towards the top center of the
flower, separating each sheet of paper from the others
(forming the petals of the flower).
Ideas
for any age:
• Take
your mom to a "pick your own flowers" farm for
day of outdoor fun.
•
Surprise mom with a home-cooked breakfast or dinner.
• Help
your mom around the house with chores - lighten her
load.
•
Create a personalized gift for one day each month.
• Don't
forget to tell her how much you appreciate her and love
her - not just on Mother's Day, but everyday!
|
