13 ways to spoil your mum on a socially distanced Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your mum a special day.

In many parts of Australia, coronavirus lockdowns have been relaxed enough that many people will be able to see their mum on Mother’s Day.

In most states and territories, including New South Wales and Queensland, people can have at least a couple of visitors in their homes.

But even outside of Victoria, where stricter social distancing restrictions remain in place, there will still be no big restaurant lunches, extended family gatherings or outings to zoos, theatres or other venues. And wherever we are, we’ll all still have to stay at least 1.5m away from each other.

Clinical psychologist Dr Julie King says it is important to remember that Mother’s Day has not been cancelled altogether.

“In fact, the sentiment behind the holiday is more meaningful than ever before,” she says.

“Humans are social creatures and feelings of isolation, loneliness and sadness are common when we are apart from one another. It is important that we don’t let social distancing turn into emotional distancing. This is an opportunity to find special ways to show our mothers how important they are.”

So how can you give your mum the day she deserves, while sticking to social distancing rules?

Bring fine dining to her home

You won’t be able to take your mum to her a café, pub or restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat her to a fancy meal.

Order a delivery or take-away from her favourite eatery, and – if you can visit her – give her the full silver service experience. Set the table with your (or her) best linen and floral decorations, and use the good cutlery, dishes and glasses for a change.

Make her a home-cooked meal

A meal always tastes better when someone else makes it. So even if you’re not a gourmet chef, have a go at whipping up your mum’s favourite meal or your specialty dish.

Or put together a picnic hamper she enjoy in the backyard or even on the lounge room floor.

Enjoy a virtual meal together

Make the same meal at your separate houses and eat them “together” over a Zoom or FaceTime call – you could even set up a seat at the table for your virtual guests.

“Finding things that are meaningful to both you and mum that you can share, even in isolation, will help you foster and celebrate that connection,” says psychology researcher Ash King.

Give her a DIY pamper session

Create a DIY salon care package filled with facial masks, exfoliators, moisturisers, a brow shaping kit, nail polish, hand cream, a nail buff and trimmer, and bath oil, then cap it all with a beautiful scented candle so she can create the desired ambience too.

Let her sample a few vinos

While taking mum on a tour of the best local vineyards has been shelved for now, she can still enjoy sampling vinos.

Many wineries will ship a selection of wines straight to mum and she can even join a live online cellar door event to learn about the blends and ideal food pairings.

Alternatively, send her a selection of wines you can enjoy together over a Zoom call.

It could be her best Mother’s Day ever, and she won’t need a driver.

Mother's Day card

Put together a care package

“Our mothers may not be used to digital communication and may really value something they can see and touch such as a gift pack delivered by post or dropped at the doorstep if you are local,” says Julie.

“A gift pack could comprise basic supplies, favourite snacks or comfort items and can be personalised with a letter and/or photo. This allows your loved one to look at these items and perhaps display them as a reminder that they are loved and missed.”

Organise an extended family video call

It might get rowdy, but nothing would make mum’s day more than having all her kids and grandkids together at once and enjoying each other’s company.

“Sometimes, virtual connection isn’t always our first preference – but when circumstances demand it, it’s far more helpful and nourishing than cutting yourself off from connection,” says Ash.

Play an online game

“There are plenty of opportunities to take part in online games, such as HouseParty and Jackbox.tv, or even online trivia tournaments,” says Ash.

Or you could play a board game over a video call, mirroring each other’s moves on your own boards.

Charades or drawing games like Pictionary can also work well online.

Watch her favourite movie

You might be at different addresses, but doesn’t mean you can’t virtually enjoy your favourite flick together.

Tee up with her to watch a film at the same time, and call to debrief on it afterwards.

Go the extra mile by sending her a little “movie pack”, with things like popcorn, chocolate, a cosy pair of socks, and a mug for her hot Milo.

Take her to the Louvre or the ballet

You can’t fly her to Paris any time soon, but Mum can enjoy wandering through the Louvre’s famous exhibition rooms and galleries without leaving her lounge room.

Or maybe mum would prefer a night at the ballet, or a unique view of The Great Wall of China, or a virtual visit to the zoo.

Make her a video message

Nothing shows love and gratitude like a curated collection of photos and video messages.

Even if you’re technically challenged, apps like iMovie make it quite easy to organise and edit your images and messages.

All you need to do is choose the photos you want to include, record the messages you want, and iMovie will step you through the rest.

Give her a post-iso treat to look forward to

Does she love the movies, going out for dinner, or hair-raising adventures?

Treat her to a voucher that she can redeem and enjoy once life returns to normal.

Mother's Day flowers

Send her flowers, wine or a letter

Pandemic lockdown restrictions or not, this sentiment is always appreciated.

Carnations and chrysanthemums are considered traditional Mother’s Day flowers, but mum will no doubt love any floral delivery arriving on the doorstep – even better if it’s accompanied by her favourite bottle of bubbles.

Julie says sending a gift, letter or flowers will help mum feel connected.

“If you live close by, you could decorate the door of your loved one with a wreath or special items,” she says.

“Say hello from a distance by arranging a ‘drive-by’ time or a conversation from a distance through the doorway if you live close by.”

Written by Claire Burke, Charlotte Brundrett, Michelle Rose.

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