Mothers, stand-in moms and other parental presences were celebrated last Sunday through gifts and quality time. But do we really need a designated day to celebrate this presence in our lives? Here are three ways to honor your mom or other influential figures on any day of the year.
Make them a home-cooked meal
Nothing speaks of love and gratefulness more than a warm meal you can share together. If they’re a morning person, help them start their day with a filling breakfast. If they ever made you something special in the morning, you could return the favor by recreating it with your own twist.
When I was a kid, my mom would make “eggs in a basket,” which was a fan favorite in our household. Here’s what you need for this delicious and easy meal:
- A small cup or shot glass to create the hole in the bread (bonus points if it’s heart-shaped!)
- A piece of bread
- One large egg
- Preferred seasonings
Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then use a small cup or shot glass to cut a hole in the center of your bread. Place the bread (and the cut-out piece) in the pan and toast until lightly golden, about three minutes. Flip both pieces, then crack an egg into the hole and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the egg white sets but the yolk stays runny — about 4 more minutes. Serve warm, maybe with a sprinkle of chives, if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re like me and you live far away from your parents, set up a FaceTime date and DoorDash them their favorite comfort food. It’s not exactly the same, but they will appreciate the effort regardless and hopefully feel the love from miles away.
Recreate a special memory
We all have memories that shaped our childhood and some that even leaked into our adult lives and habits, as well. Whether it’s a day at the ice rink or a movie that used to play on repeat in your childhood home, recreating that memory for your loved one is a special way of acknowledging the impact it had on your life. If there was a photo from the specific memory, you could even play around with the camera and make an updated version of it as your older selves.
I know my mom would lose her mind if I set up a screening of “How to Eat Fried Worms” — a childhood classic for me and my family.
Keep it simple: Write them a letter
Every time I ask my mom what she wants for any gift-bearing holiday, she asks for a letter. I’ve always been a word person and in my opinion, there’s no better way to express gratitude and love than in a hand-written note that they can keep forever.
If you live far from your parents, receiving a letter in the mail, especially if it’s random (not on Mother’s Day), can be even more meaningful.
Of course, there are infinite ways to show someone you care. But, whether it’s through food, memories or words, the important part is making the effort. You don’t need a holiday to do that.
Or, if you’re like me, you can go all in and publish your appreciation for your mom — like I’m doing right now, if you haven’t caught on yet (hi Mom).
Happy day-after Mother’s Day. You deserve the whole calendar.
