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Trying to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2021 may continue to frustrate many people who just want to have a normal Mother’s Day brunch. But we really aren’t there yet, even with vaccines available to the majority of the public. If you are looking to make the day special for your mom, think about the CDC guidelines and what the safest options are for celebrations. After all, getting those you love sick is not the way to celebrate.
How Mother’s Day is usually celebrated
Under normal circumstances, Mother’s Day is filled with Mother’s Day cards, multi-generational brunches, and tons of good feelings. Within the household, kids help dads make the perfect breakfast-in-bed that is often interesting and unique — the year my son brought me miso soup with a Twinkie was especially momentous.
Most of us have been in lockdown for more than a year and are ready to have a normal celebration. After all, if everyone is vaccinated, can’t we expand our bubbles?
CDC guidelines for gathering: Mother’s Day brunch revised
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still the leading advisory body for what we should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to gatherings. At the time of this writing, COVID-19 cases have surged in many states and the CDC recommends avoiding events and gatherings. This includes anyone outside of your bubble that you live with.
What does this mean for Mother’s Day brunch? Being vaccinated can make a difference. If your household is fully vaccinated, you can meet with others in small groups who are also fully vaccinated. Small gatherings pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated individuals. This means that you can feasibly get together with one or two other households to have a family celebration. You’ll need to adhere to restaurant guidelines in your area regarding party size and household integration and some restaurants may still limit party size and household mixing.
If you don’t want to go to a restaurant, find venues such as parks and other outdoor venues where you can have a small and safe gathering where people can remain six feet apart. Make sure that everyone wears their masks when not eating and enjoy the fresh air and company.
Ways to celebrate: Virtual celebration
If you don’t want to risk being turned away from a formal Mother’s Day brunch, think about other ways to make the day special. Virtual celebrations are becoming second nature to many of us and this Mother’s Day is likely no different.
“My mom is in another state so a virtual celebration is really more than what we would have normally done, anyways,” explained mom of three, Holly Huffman. “The kids will get on Zoom with her while baking a cake.” We’ve all gotten better about sharing special moments with family through a Zoom call.
But don’t stop with Zoom. Have flowers sent, order gift delivery, or have the kids make special cards and artwork for grandma this year and send it early to guarantee a smile on her face. Have mom open them up while on the call — this is a nice way to share the moment and excitement of the gift.
While flowers and plants remain the top most desire, you can also make mom feel loved with food, wine, and clothing. For something unique and different, Cali Lehr recommended to Mom.com, “an at-home pattery kit for two that will soothe the sense and provide a creative outlet for mom.”
Remember, creativity is the key to sending gifts and celebrating Mother’s Day. In the end, what every mom wants is just a little breathing time away from the chaos and a warm hug and kiss when possible.
