What Do You Say On Mother's Day? How To Celebrate All The Women In Your Life

By: Shannon Sweeney

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and at this point most of us are thinking about getting the right gift, picking the right brunch location or figuring out how to get a mom of young kids the alone-time she needs. But for many, celebrating this day might be difficult. 

Some may have recently lost their moms, some may be experiencing infertility after years of trying, and some may be reminded of estrangement from a mother. For women in these circumstances, Mother’s Day may be a day of deep emotional reflection and sadness.

Here’s the thing - moms work hard all year and they deserve a day of wish-fulfillment, attention, and gratitude. Nothing should take away from that. But non-moms and lonely daughters can benefit from some love on Mother’s Day too.

So, if you’re trying to be sensitive or inclusive you may find yourself wondering - what do you say to these women on Mother’s Day?

There’s no “right” answer to this question - but there are some simple sayings that will always work. For example;

Thank you. 
I love you. 
I appreciate you. 

A woman doesn’t have to be a mother to be celebrated. No matter who you are, there are ways to celebrate all of the women in your life for Mother’s Day. The best thing we can do is come together to support the women we care about — no matter if it’s a friend, a coworker, or a family member. 

Maybe you want to celebrate an amazing sister who has always been there for you or an aunt who’s been your rock for as long as you can remember. No matter who you’re celebrating for Mother’s Day, here are a few ways to reach out to the women in your life to tell them how much they mean to you, on a day when they may really need to hear it.  

Send a Card

Let’s face it — who doesn’t love receiving a surprise card in the mail? But nothing says the card has to say “Happy Mother’s Day” on it. A simple thank-you card or a blank card with a heartfelt sentiment inside can make someone’s day. If you’re looking for inspiration on things to include, consider: 

• A fond memory you share with the woman you’re writing to 

• A thank you for always being there or for helping you through a tough time 

• An inspirational message for a woman in your life going through a tough time 

• Simply reminding them of how much you appreciate them always 

Writing a letter or card is one of the best ways to tell someone you care about them — and a handwritten message goes a long way.

Make a Call or Have A Video Chat 

This Mother’s Day is definitely going to look different for a lot of people — especially with social distancing. But having phone call or video chat with the important women in your life, in addition to your mom, will help them feel special. Especially the ones who may not have children or their own moms. Use the day as an opportunity to catch up and make sure they know how they’ve made a difference in your life.

Send a Loving Care Package

One of my fondest memories with a friend was coming home to a surprise care package she put together for me when I was going through a rough time, filled with a book, a face masks, and some comfy socks. I was so thankful to have a friend that not only listened to me but went the extra mile to put a smile on my face and help me relax.

Any woman, would be thrilled to find a special delivery on their doorstep. A surprise care package of someone’s favorite snacks, homemade baked goods, or self-care products, is a thoughtful and personal way to tell the woman in your life you care about them. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a stereotypical Mother’s Day gift, but just a way to let someone know you’re thinking about them. 

Do an Act of Service 

Maybe a woman in your life needs help running errands, mowing the lawn, or fixing something in her house. A woman on her own may be used to independence and may not always ask for help. Even if not on Mother’s day, take the occasion as a reminder to offer a hand to a women you care about as a simple way of saying “thank you”. Performing an act of service for someone can go a long way in showing gratitude and appreciation and it can genuinely make her life a little easier.

Just because Mother’s Day is officially a holiday for moms that doesn’t mean the way we celebrate it has to be limited to women in traditional or biological motherhood roles. We all have amazing, inspirational women in our lives — so let’s celebrate them all! And in a lot of cases, the women who aren’t moms or without moms may really need a little extra love on that day. So if you’re wondering what to say, well, say anything! The fact that you care enough to connect is going to mean the world to the women you love.

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