Maarten Verhoef

As we grow older and start living our own lives, it’s easy to forget to be grateful to our mothers and fathers. Do you want to arrange something special this time for Mother’s Day? Could you use some tips for a successful Mother’s Day? We at GENTS will tell you today how you can easily organize a wonderful day for your mother, because next weekend is already that special Sunday!

In the Netherlands, we celebrate Mother’s Day every second Sunday of May. This day is entirely dedicated to motherhood. Children all over the country make little things to show their mothers that they are truly appreciated. As a child, you probably did this at school too. At a certain age, we just stop celebrating Mother’s Day properly – it just sneaks in. However, that doesn’t mean your mother appreciates it any less if you put her in the spotlight. 

Appreciation for mothers

Mother’s Day, as we know it today, is not very old. It was only introduced sometime in the 19th century. A female judge from Philadelphia started the concept of Mother’s Day to claim a day fully dedicated to women. Themes like pacifism and disarmament were very important. At that time, the day didn’t catch on very well. Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, it became a success: the day was renamed a special day to express appreciation for mothers. That’s why your mother still won’t mind an extra token of appreciation today. 

Tips for a successful Mother’s Day

Once you are a student or older, the old gifts for this special holiday no longer work. After all, it’s hard to show up in your 20s with a drawing or homemade item (unless you have impressive graphic skills, of course). However, that doesn’t mean it’s harder to plan a successful Mother’s Day for your dear mom. GENTS believes it’s actually easier. So, haven’t arranged anything for your moms yet? Here are some handy tips that will definitely ensure a successful day!

1. No breakfast, but a luxurious brunch on Mother's Day

In the Netherlands, it is tradition in many families to start Mother's Day (or Father's Day) with breakfast (in bed). Of course, the whole family except mom takes care of the breakfast. When you are older, you don't quickly eat a sandwich in bed with your parents. What you can do is organize an adult version of it. For example, plan a luxurious brunch with the whole family. That way, you can have a certain dress code arranging and putting a range of delicious snacks on the table together. For such a luxurious brunch, you of course wear a neat shirt with a stylish waistcoat. To keep it casual chic, you can then choose jeans. Are you really going for a decadent atmosphere during brunch? Then complete the outfit with a matching trousers. Style tip from GENTS: make sure the trousers match the waistcoat. Think about fabric, pattern, or color.

2. Joining forces for a gift

Besides the traditional breakfast, it is also customary to give mothers a present on Mother's Day. That is very easy when you are little. As you get older, it can be difficult to think of something original. GENTS suggests that you then join forces with the other family members. Do you have sisters or brothers? Then start a group chat and talk about it. Maybe someone knows that one cool thing your mother secretly has wanted for a long time but never gets around to buying. Like a stylish dress or a beautiful women's suit. Besides, it can also be fun to all chip in some money and give a big gift. Think, for example, of a weekend away with the family or a city trip especially for mom (and dad). 

3. Play into the underlying thought of Mother's Day

As we explained earlier, Mother's Day is all about appreciating mothers. If you don't know what to do for your mom, it's smart to remember the underlying thought of Mother's Day. It's mainly about recognizing and giving appreciation. So you don't necessarily have to do it extravagantly. Sending a card and having it delivered on Mother's Day while you are studying abroad can already mean a lot to your mother. Besides that, you can also dig into your memories. What do you share only with your mother? A love for chocolate, a certain genre of movies, or delicious food? Use that shared interest to show your appreciation on Mother's Day. 

In short, for a successful Mother's Day, the underlying thought is the most important: thank you mom!

Maarten Verhoef
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