Mammy, ma, mummy, mom, mom, mam, mother, mum

A SPECIAL BOND THAT SPANS THE YEARS …

Mother’s Day, the annual celebration of all the mammies, nanas, foster mothers, surrogate mothers, and all others that take on the role comes around once more on 27th March. The mother, of course, has almost mythological status in Ireland, and is fiendishly difficult to buy for.

If you are under the age of 12, you might get away with a handmade trinket out of lollipop sticks and glue, but with advancing age and responsibility, expectations start to get a little higher. For the woman who wiped your nose, cut your hair and is somewhat responsible for getting you this far in life, credit is due.

First, take a look at what she doesn’t want or need. Before shelling out for more ornaments or slippers, suss out what’s already in situ. If she’s never worn perfume, don’t starting buying her Chanel No. 5, for instance. Assess her preference with regards to flowers; some people prefer them left in the ground. And, if she does indeed like them in the ground, this is a great time of year to get to a garden centre and give her a gift that will bloom year after year in the garden. Young children and grandchildren will love to get involved in the planting too.

Next tip: look and listen. If she’s mentioned a restaurant, garden cen

treor walking route she loves or has fond memories of, take her along. One advantage of the two years of lockdown is that now almost every outing is a novelty. Consider the huge variety of gardens, houses, walks The Avondhu area has to offer and embrace the beauty on

our doorstep. A day out with the family and a nice lunch is probably high on anyone’s list of wants at this time.

Do you know her favourite colour? Sometimes all that’s needed is a hat in that exact shade of burnt orange, or rich teal, to ‘spark joy’ in someone’s life. The shop local ethos is a great way to pick up something that will be unique to her. Jewellery, with rare exceptions, is always a winner. However, take note of what she wears - if your mother rarely sports dangling earrings, for example, it doesn’t matter how beautiful they are, they will lay in the jewellery box.

Everyone needs to eat, so if you continue to be stuck for ideas, let that lead you. Think small boxes of really special chocolate or gorgeous small hampers of cheese and fruit. Again, think about what she likes, and don’t think you have to go big to make it special - sometimes, it’s just a really, really nice apple tart or cream bun that will suffice. Or, consider that no one ever buys Champagne for themselves. Picture the scene: a glass of Champagne as the evenings get longer, and we look forward to the summer ahead.

Let mother’s day be just that - a celebration of your mother and who she is and what she likes, and you’ll be sure of success!