Celebrating Mother's Day During A Pandemic

With so much going on in our new reality, Mother's Day is sure to be different this year. But mamas everywhere have earned every bit of praise and recognition during these difficult times. Between home schooling, working and managing the household (and everyone's moods), you deserve to be celebrated.

So before you brush off Mother’s Day this year, try to remember that you deserve a party. But how exactly can you do that when everyone is quarantined? Well, it might be tricky to pull off — but it's not impossible. I asked some moms about their ideal Mother’s Day this year, and they had some perfect answers:

Amazon Rescue

"I online ordered myself three things I wanted, and my husband is going to have the kids wrap them, and I’m going to act surprised," says mom Alexandra.

Related: Mother's Day 2020 Gift Guide

Alone Time

"I think I'll try to make everybody leave the apartment and be alone!" says mom Lisa. Mom Lizzie agrees and says,"I want my husband to take my kids on a camping trip to the backyard. Since that’s an unreasonable request, I will settle for whatever alone time I can get. I love my children, but the youngest has entered the death-defying phase of toddlerhood, and I’m tired."

Milk It While You Can

"My husband has been home from work for the past few weeks and suddenly has a brand new appreciation for me and everything I do around here, so I am taking this opportunity to go for broke. I told him I want a brand-new grill, a steak dinner, some wine and to enjoy a quiet day outside. I think I could ask for diamond earrings and get them at this point," says mom Lauren.

Drive-by Parade

"We have been separated as a family since March 16 (in three homes/locations)," says mom Nikki. "The plan is to surprise my mom with a driveway drive-by parade with her kids and grandkids. That’s my Mother’s Day this year — giving her one."

Zoom Dinner

We might be all Zoomed out, but we can't miss seeing our moms even if it's on a screen. Mom Amy is going to have a special dinner and Zoom hang with her mom and siblings. My mom isn't as technically savvy, so we will try to at least call her and send her some love.

You Have All You Need

Mom Risa is positive about this year's special day. She says, "I'm on hiatus at work, so no demanding clients. We can't go anywhere other than for a walk, so that's easy if the weather cooperates. We already have a good bottle of Champagne, and I stocked the freezer with frozen hors d'oeuvres when we first started holing up. And since we're trying to support local restaurants, we do a takeout dinner once a week. I'm going to suggest to my husband well in advance that Mother's Day should be takeout night — and I'll also let slip which restaurant I want. I'm feeling hopeful."

As for my Mother's Day this year, I'm planning to drive about 30 minutes away to take a socially distant hike with a mom friend. I might order some delicious braised short ribs and a side of mashed potatoes from a local spot called Boro6 to give me a break from cooking. Quarantined life is making me feel like an overworked chef without the good recipes.

I've been avoiding drinking these days to keep my immune system strong, but on Mother's Day I'm breaking out the prosecco, or maybe a fun cocktail. I'll also try to get away for some writing and yoga. My husband has also volunteered to give me a long massage after our son goes to sleep. He might not be a professional, but I'll take it! Happy Mother's Day, mamas!

Other Parenting News:

• The Pros And Cons Of Having An Only Child During Quarantine
• Tips On Being Both Parent And Teacher During Quarantine
• Keeping The Peace With Family During Coronavirus Isolation