–Moms never grow tired of receiving them

TODAY is Mother’s Day and a time to honour and celebrate mothers, essentially bestowing them with flowers.
But have you noticed how the traditional Mother’s Day gifts of ‘flowers’ or ‘perfumes’ have

been gradually replaced over time, to the extent that today, in our Guyanese society, Mother’s Day has almost become synonymous with ‘expensive lunches and dinners’ and expensive items of furniture? And what’s more, “Big Mother’s Day Bashment” as advertised on utility poles in the streets?

Just in case you haven’t, then attempt a survey to determine what percentage of the seats prepared for ‘Mother’s Day’ fundraising dinners and lunches are unoccupied during the meal. Frankly, they are practically sold out.
Though it can be argued that an expensive dinner constitutes a nice treat for some mothers who might be tasked with preparing the family meal day in, day out, and needs to be pampered on this her special day, there is another argument.

Yes, it’s her day, and by all means she should be given the best, but within the giver’s means. It would be penny wise to present her with an expensive gift of furniture that’s taken out on hire purchase, then later on expect her to join in meeting up with the payments.
Maybe if you asked her opinion, she would be inclined to say she prefers a gift that is stress-free.
I was nonplussed a few hours ago when I heard certain items of furniture being advertised on the radio for Mother’s Day. These items range within hundreds of thousands of dollars. And guess what? There are people who will purchase those items! On credit!

TREATED TENDERLY
Mother’s Day is a day when mothers should be treated tenderly, elegantly, and with gifts, whatever their value, delivered with a touch of class.
The time has come to let families know that it is still quite okay, appreciable, and appropriate for moms to be showered with flowers, scents, cell-phones and comfy sleepwear if circumstances dictate that you do so.
But mothers are loving, caring, and appreciative, and will be inclined to respond with the same measure of enthusiasm had you given her a much less expensive gift. So, let’s stop the commercialising and honour her with love and tenderness.

For all intents and purposes, Mother’s Day should be a day for the entire family. It should be a day set aside for showing appreciation, and honouring mothers for the sacrifices they make for their husbands and children; a day when the family goes to church together or at least prays together, since it is said, “A family that prays together, stays together.” They should dine together; perhaps visit grandparents together; visit other loved ones in hospitals and jointly execute those little tasks in the home that mom would normally have taken on.
Created by Anna Jarvis in the United States in 1908, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914. But the day having become heavily commercialised, Jarvis spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar of holidays.

CHOICE OF FLOWERS
So this time around, whatever you choose to give Mom, do not forget that there is always room to pamper her with flowers; tell her you love her with flowers.
And while artificial flowers are easily accessible, and are known for their attractive colours, fresh flowers are also a popular expression of your love and appreciation on Mother’s Day.
You may also wish to choose your colours and types of flowers, based on the advice of meaningoflowers.com:

* ROSES: Love or Passion
* CARNATIONS: A Mother’s Love
* LILIES: Purity and Beauty
* DAISIES: Loyal Love
* CALLA LILIES: Magnificence and Beauty
* IRIS: Eloquence and Wisdom

In terms of colour, meaningoflowers.com says:
* PINK is associated with Innocence, Unconditional Love, Thoughtfulness and Gentleness.
* RED: Deep Love and Passion
* WHITE: Purity, Truth and Perfection
* YELLOW: Trust, Compassion and Respect
* PURPLE: Grace and Elegance