Deliver happiness to her door.

During this time of isolation, imagine the joy of receiving a magnificent bouquet of flowers or a potted plant! It’s a classic springtime gift, plus florists are open and offer delivery. Choose your mom’s favourite flowers, of course! If your mom enjoys gardening, offer her the bulbs instead – that way she can plant them herself. A gourmet version would be to have her favourite meal delivered. Whether you’re a skilled chef or not, it’s the thought that counts. You could even have warm croissants and pains aux chocolat delivered in the morning, her favourite bottle of champagne, a box of macarons, or her favourite tea!

Decorate her door!

Another great idea would be to decorate her front door. Banners, posters, poems, photos, drawings . . . anything goes, as long as you’re discreet and disinfected! Once the decorating is complete, step back, call your mom, and tell her to open the door. Make sure you film her reaction, because it’s bound to be priceless! Other options include sliding a card under her door, leaving a gift on her balcony, planting heart-shaped posters in her garden; the important thing is to organize a sweet surprise all while respecting the social distancing and sanitation measures currently in place.

Organize a virtual brunch.

Mom’s at her house, and you’re at yours, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get together for Sunday brunch! For a successful family reunion, all everyone needs is a reliable video connection. And to make it perfect, ask everyone to make the same recipes and then dig in all at the same time, while chatting via video. The brunch is bound to be a success if, on top of all that, everyone decorates! If pink is part of your theme (because it’s your mom’s favourite colour), pair the meal with a bottle of rosé which you dropped off in front of your mom’s door . . . with her portion of the brunch, so she doesn’t have to cook!

Photo: Maude Chauvin

Put on a mini concert!

A virtual concert is the ideal solution for larger families, especially during this time of confinement. Choose a song, send it to your brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Depending on the song you chose, you can ask everyone to dance, get dressed up, say a few words, play an instrument, or even tell a story. The important thing is just to celebrate Mother’s Day to the max. As the organizer, you’re going to need to have some video montage skills. If you don’t, just ask each participant to send you a short video under the same theme. For example, ask everyone to answer the same question (what are Mom’s best qualities?), play the same music, or wear the same costumes.

A special Mother’s Day in these unusual times.

This spring is a little different from the ones we’re used to, and that means having to think outside the box when it comes to celebrating Mom. Consider having the kids do something extra special to thank her for being the wonderful mom that she is. Depending on how old your kids are, you can ask them to make a card or drawing, recite a poem, sing a song, or even make her favourite meal! Take her to the restaurant, movie theatre, spa, or on a trip . . . without ever leaving your home! All you need is a little imagination and lots of love . . .

Photo: Marie des neiges Magnan

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there!