Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. It’s usually marked with a card, flowers, gifts and breakfast out for dear old Mom. Americans spend over $14 billion dollars on gifts for Mom, over $670 million on cards and close to $2 billion dollars on flowers. How did it all begin?
History
Honoring Mother’s Day is centuries old. It is thought to have originated in ancient Greece, where they would hold festivities to honor Rhea, the mother of all the Greek gods. Others believe the Egyptians were the first to celebrate Mother’s Day, when honoring the goddess Isis, who was commonly regarded as the mother of the pharaohs. As far as in the U.S., one day in the 1900’s, Anna Jarvis heard her mother praying about how she hoped that one day there would be a day that mothers could be commemorated for all that they did. After her mother died several years later, that prayer stuck with her and she vowed to make a day that honored mothers possible. Anna started doing things in memory of her mother that would honor other mothers including hosting small gatherings for moms and giving carnations to mothers at her church. Finally in 1910 the governor of West Virginia, William E. Glasscock, issued a proclamation for Mother’s Day. It wasn’t until 1914 that Congress officially made it an American holiday.
What Not To Get Your Mother For Mother’s Day
So you can probably figure out something to get your mom for Mother’s Day that she will like. If you are feeling lavish, a family trip, spa getaway, jewelry or shopping trip in the near future are all great ideas. However, a sentimental card, her favorite treat or just simply spending time together also work. We decided to focus on what gifts may not be as welcomed.
Here’s our top list of things that you should not get your mom for Mother’s Day.
- A Household Appliance
Even if your mom has been wanting a new washing machine or dryer, now is not the time to get it. Mother’s Day is a time for her to relax. Getting her a household appliance with just make her think about all the housework she will have to do once her special day’s over. If you really want to get her an appliance, surprise her by having one delivered AFTER Mother’s Day.
- A Gym Membership
This type of gift is wrong on so many levels. Even if your mom has been talking about going to the gym, it’s not a good idea to get her a gym membership on Mother’s Day. It will just make her think that she’s overweight and you’re telling her she needs to workout. Besides, if she has that gym membership you’ve given her sitting next to the box of chocolates that you also got her, chances are she won’t want to enjoy either.
- A Pet
Yes pets are cute and cuddly, but they are a lot of work. The last thing your busy mom needs is something else to do during the day. Unless you plan on cleaning up after it and taking it to the vet for its checkups, skip getting your mom an animal for Mother’s Day unless it is stuffed.
Mother’s deserve our love, attention and respect year round. Even if you don’t have any money to get her a gift, you can spend some time with her and make her something for lunch. Just don’t forget to clean the dishes when you are done!
