Here's to all our mums on Mother’s Day

Mums, grannies, greatgrandmothers, mothersin-law, God Mothers, step mums and foster mothers alike – let’s celebrate them all this Mothers’ Day

In a world turned suddenly upside down and frightening in equal measures, one thing is for sure – at times like these we all want our mums! So let’s get together and make Mother’s Day 2022 special for mums, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, God Mothers, mothers-in-law, step mothers, foster mothers one and all, and show our love, appreciation and gratitude for each and every one of them. Today you can have your mum and dad or just your mum; be raised by married together mums, have another mother through your brother, a sister from another mister or a mummy but not from her tummy, so let us celebrate them one and all. Because after two years of pandemic and the way events are unfolding in Europe, we need to seize upon every reason to celebrate, come together and find joy in one another’s company. Firstly, let’s get right to the heart of what Mothers’ Day is – a day off and a sneaky one at that; a way to make sure that even the poorest in the land had an extra day of rest. The event began as Mothering Sunday – a day when you had to return, by law, to your Mother Church where you were baptised. Because it was church law, all employers and apprentice masters had no choice but to let people go home. As this was one of the few times that some people could go home and see their family, they picked flowers along the way or brought home a gift. As centuries unfolded the event became more about celebrating mothers. The more commercial aspects we know about today began in America, early in the last century, when Anna Jarvis organised the first Mother’s Day service in the city of Grafton, West Virginia at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. During the 20th century’s two world wars US military personnel serving overseas sent home cards to their mothers; there was a swelling of sentiment and a longing for home.

Mother’s Day gifts

The traditional gifts of perfume, chocolates, jewellery and flowers are always popular but think of doing old fashioned with a twist. That perfume might be a fragrant candle or reed diffuser; chocolates could be homemade, or from one of the many specialist delis or artisan shops we have around the West Highlands and Islands. The same goes for jewellery, there are so many craftsmen and women working here. If you are always stuck for an idea how about a charm bracelet you can add to each Mother’s Day. When it comes to flowers give a present that lasts longer then a bouquet with a plant for the garden, bulbs, or even a tree. Each year they will bloom with memories. Sometimes it is nice if all the family gathers together and buys one big gift. And for those occasions, when your mother swears that you all drive her to drink, remember that we do have so many fine artisan gin makers in the region, not forgetting all our whisky distilleries and breweries if she fancies a chaser to go with that. Only you know what your mum would like. It might be that she would rather have a gift she can experience. Perhaps you want to pamper your mum as well; all our hair and beauty salons give gift vouchers, as do the many beauty therapists and spas. Remember that the day might be an old tradition but the gift can be thoroughly modern – a try-dive, kayaking session, photography course, a 4x4 off-road drive, sight-seeing flight and, if the snow holds on the mountains, a day skiing or snow boarding.

Food of love

We always give gifts of food to those we love; it is a nurturing gesture and, in keeping with the idea of a day off, what better way to celebrate than with a Sunday brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. You can do it at home, buying in treats from all our gorgeous local food shops and producers, or you can make a reservation. Hotel and restaurant tables get snapped up quickly on Mother’s Day so make that booking now – and if it is going to be a Champagne occasion or the wine is flowing, why not book a taxi. Once again, make sure you book early. And always remember . . . breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day is only a relaxing treat for your mum if you do not set the smoke alarm off.