Each year, Canadians spend time on the second Sunday of May to honour their moms. Normally, that means lots of brunches, flowers and nice gifts for moms across the country. This year however, Mother’s Day is going to look quite a bit different.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing regulations in place, this year most of us will not be able to see our mom in person. While it may sound sad, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the big day! Luckily, technology allows us to still be connected even though we may not be able to be in the same space.
Here are just a few of the creative ways you could celebrate a ‘virtual’ Mother’s Day this year.
Video Call
A gift is nice, but what moms really want for Mother’s Day is to spend time with her family. A survey of moms found that 60 per cent just wanted to spend time with their family and only four per cent said getting gifts is what they look forward to.
This year, video call technology makes spending that time possible. Yes – you can always call mom, but a video call allows you to see each other and interact almost as if you were together.
There are many free ways to video call your mom, including FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet. Most will work on a computer or a cellphone, depending on what your mom wants to use. Most video calling apps are pretty simple to understand, even if you’re not the most experienced with technology. If your mom has a bit of trouble with technology make sure to test it out beforehand so you can just focus on catching up when Mother’s Day arrives.
Watch A Movie
Movies are a great way to connect. Some of the first movies we see are usually with our parents, which creates some great memories.
Netflix has an extension for your device where multiple people can watch the same movie or show at the same time. If you both subscribe to Netflix, Google Chrome has a cool extension called Netflix Party, that allows you to stream at the same time. It even gives you the ability to message your mom at the same time! Not a Netflix fan? You can always pick a movie or even a TV series that you and your mom love and start watching it at the same time to mimic the “synchronized” watching. Then you can either message each other, video call or talk on the phone with each other during the flick.
Customized Playlist
Music is another common thread that brings people together. Put together a playlist of some of your mom’s favourite tunes and send it to her for Mother’s Day. Add some of your favourite songs as well or songs that remind you of her and the memories you have together.
Try and listen to it together and tell your mom why you chose each song. It can be something she can enjoy well beyond Mother’s Day.
Pamper Mom with A Spa Day
If anyone deserves a spa day, it’s hard-working moms. This year you can still make it happen - just this time in the comfort of your mom’s home.
Send some spa supplies over to your mom’s house and invite her to have a DIY spa day. This could include some face masks, candles, bubble baths or supplies for a manicure and pedicure. Check with your local spas to see if they offer packages of products you could send to mom, and maybe throw in a gift certificate as well for when physical distancing measures have relaxed.
You could also enjoy the DIY spa day together! Just grab the same supplies you sent to your mom and video chat while you both enjoy your treatments.
Treat Her to Dinner
Going out for brunch or dinner is usually the go-to for Mother’s Day. With some restaurants and bars not allowing customers to dine-in – that just may not be possible this year.
The good news is there are still some creative ways to share a great meal with your mom!
If there’s a dish you both love to make, get the ingredients and each make it at home. You can video call each other while you’re making the dish or enjoying it. Better yet, you could also surprise your mom by making her favourite dish yourself and dropping it off on her doorstep for her to enjoy!
Another great option is to order a meal from one of your mom’s favourite local restaurants. Order the meal and send it to mom (and why not treat yourself at the same time). Hop on a video call and enjoy the meal together. Not only do you get to have a great meal but you’re supporting local businesses.
Play a Game
It sounds simple but this can be a great way to spend some time together ‘virtually’ on Mother’s Day. It doesn’t have to be on a video game console, but can be done online.
Lots of different well-known games like checkers, Monopoly or Scrabble all have apps you can download onto your device and play with more than one player.
Write a Letter
Go old-school for Mother’s Day! Write out a letter with an actual pen and paper for your mom.
Writing a letter is personal – not only will it mean a lot to your mom, it will also be a nice experience for you.
If you want to go the extra mile, include some pictures to send along with the letter or some flowers.
There’s no doubt this Mother’s Day is going to look a lot different than what we’re used to, but if you’re creative it could also be one of the most special. No matter what, just make sure you let mom feel important on her day.