What Do Mothers Really Want?

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made Mothers” – Jewish Proverb

Sunday is Mother’s Day.  The day we lavish Mom with the best Mother’s Day gifts ever.  In addition to flowers the most popular gift ideas include jewelry, perfume, sweets, clothes and gift cards.

If the amount of money spent was the measure of our love, then take a look at these figures.  In 2012 we spent over $18 billion dollars on Mother’s Day gifts.   According to the National Retail Federation we will top that figure this year. 

A Look at the History

Anna Jarvis, like her mother before her, envisioned a memorial day to honor mothers.  Even though she never had children of her own, she made the celebration of a Mother’s Day her lifelong mission.

In 1907 she launched a letter writing campaign imploring politicians, clergymen and civic leaders to institute a national holiday for mothers.   After seven years of unrelenting advocacy her efforts paid off.

On May 8, 1914 President Wilson signed a resolution establishing a national Mother’s Day to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. 

What Mothers Really Want for Mother’s Day

So what do mothers really want?  Hint:  It does not come with a price tag.  We have birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and other holidays for all of those expensive gifts.  

When our Mothers were asked this question, this is what they had to say:

·         A recent poll showed that nine out of ten mothers wished their adult children would call them.  Spend some time with Mom reminiscing about the good times.    Recounting happy memories that bring smiles.

·         In another poll 43% of Mothers said they wanted sentimental and handmade gifts.

·         Mothers of small children would enjoy time off from being a Mom.   To be served breakfast in bed - without having to clean up afterwards.   

·         Other mothers would enjoy time alone to relax in any way they see fit.   Someone else can take the children to the park or to the movies for a couple of hours.

Anna Jarvis was upset by the way commercialism took over Mother’s Day.  Her vision was a day for mothers to feel loved, appreciated and cherished.   In her own words, “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment, not profit”.  Most mothers would agree that is what they really want for Mother’s Day.

What was your most memorable Mother’s Day Gift?