WHEN people say that all the fuss about Mother’s Day, and other days that keep popping up all year through, is just a way for businesses to make money, they may be right — and wrong too!

Yes, all the media hype about Mother’s Day does suggest that we celebrate the second Sunday in May by doing and giving things that can sometimes come at a hefty price tag. But in essence, the concept of having such a day is to acknowledge honour and celebrate the selfless love and contributions of mothers in our lives. And the main point we must keep in mind is that our appreciation of what a mother is and what she does, should not be limited to just one day only but all year through and all our lives.

But whatever the reason for celebrating Mother’s Day, we need to make mothers feel special because they are special — and making them special doesn’t require spending a lot of money or too much fanfare. It can be done in simple and easy ways which will mean more to her than what money can buy. The point isn’t how much you spend, but how much thought you put into making her feel special.

So let’s look at what you can do this Mother’s Day — and all year through — to show your love for your mother so that this special lady, who works tirelessly to make others feel special gets to feel special too.

Pamper her

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TELL her to stay in bed late on Mother’s Day and not to worry about any work. It’s her day off and her wish is your command. Make sure you include your siblings, father and any other family member in your plan as it will require everyone to help in making this day very special.

A bed tea treat

IF your mother likes morning tea, give her bed tea, with maybe a cupcake, buns or cookies. Serving her the complete breakfast in bed is a bit of an idealistic concept and not practically viable because how many things can you practically serve on a tray? The whole family will not be able to eat together that way and think of the mess you all will make on the bed, probably upsetting your mum rather than pleasing her.

So set up the breakfast table nicely, and the menu can be as simple as bread, spreads, jams, etc. that require no cooking and something easily done by you and your family. And make sure to clean up the table too!

No household chores

THIS statement is for your mum, which means you and others need to take care of the chores this Sunday. If you haven’t been doing much around the house except making your bed occasionally, there is always a first time so start doing more, at least on this day. The washing dishes and tidying up the house are not too hard and do make a commitment in your heart that you will keep helping mum in household chores on regular basis too.

Most maids and domestic helps take the day off on Sundays, you can request your maid to make an exception this Sunday and come over so that you and mum can both get a break from the tough chores.

A gift of love

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GIFTS don’t always carry a large price tag — it is the thoughts and gestures which count more than the price. So you can make something for her, maybe a holder for her cosmetic brushes and liners, a loom band, a poster with collage of her photos (make sure not to cut the photos up or she will be real cross!), or ask your father to finance you to buy her something that she will use frequently and is not more expensive than what your father wants to spend.

Or use your pocket money and get her a chocolate. It doesn’t have to be a large box of very expensive Swiss chocolate, even the local chocolate bar will be the sweetest gift for her.

And don’t forget to give her a handmade card too! This is a must. And it should contain a personalised message too.

Family time

TRY to have get everyone to spend the day together without separate commitments and engagements. You can plan an outing or a lunch/dinner at home where mum doesn’t need to do the cooking.

Another fun activity can be watching a movie together, maybe even your parents’ wedding video — that will really please her! Make sure to have some snacks available to make the movie experience more enjoyable.

You can even play games, either board games that your mum likes or other games where everyone can participate. The idea is basically to do things that she likes and will enjoy.

Grooming

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MANY women are just too busy to pay much attention and spend much time on personal care and grooming. Encourage her to go to get a haircut, facial, pedicure, manicure and whatever else that she wants. Tell her you will take care of home while she takes care of herself.

And how about giving her a head message using her favourite oil. It is going to please and relax her and she, who has always been oiling and messaging your hair, will enjoy the treat for herself.

No squabbling

SIBLING squabbling is one of the most annoying things for parents so call it a truce and don’t fight with your brothers and sisters today. Keep the atmosphere nice and light, you will find it refreshing too and mum will not have to scold anyone and get upset.

And give her a big hug and tell her how much you love her.

Cooking for mum

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Microwave brownie

Just mix it, pop it and top it – and give your mum a treat she will never forget!

Ingredients

1/4 cup (40g) self-rising flour

1/4 cup (60g) caster sugar

2 tbsp cocoa

2 tbsp vegetable oil

3 tbsp (60ml) water

1/2 tsp icing sugar (to sprinkle on top)

Ice cream (optional)

Method

1. Add flour in a small bowl.

2. Add sugar in to it.

3. Then add cocoa.

4. Add oil.

5. And then water to the bowl.

6. Mix all together until it forms a smooth mixture.

7. Pour in two large cups, or four small ones.

8. Place into the microwave on high for 1 min 40 seconds.

9. Dust with a little icing sugar and serve! Top it with a scoop of ice cream or chocolate syrup to make it a more mouth-watering treat!

Serving size: Two to three, depending on the size of the cup

Note: You may need to experiment with the time as the duration can be different for different microwave ovens. If using a small cup, microwave for one minute first. It will be wet and sticky at the top but if not done from the inside (which you will know if you stick toothpick or sharp knife in it), microwave for 20-40 seconds more.