Mother's Day 2020 is bound to feel a little different for a lot of us. Even as some states in the United States are relaxing their social distancing rules and requirements, many people are still planning to spend the bulk of their time at home. This means a lot of usual Mother's Day outings and events — from seeing extended family to all-day movie fests at the theater to a sweet picnic in the park — might be … canceled. But just because everything is different, it doesn't mean everything is worse. We just have to all be a little flexible — and a little creative. There are actually tons of ideas out there for having a Mother's Day that is a lot of fun and very meaningful, even when you're stuck at home. Some of these are sentimental, some are a little chaotic, but all of these ideas will have you in that special, sentimental Mother's Day mood.
1. Start that family scrapbook you've been talking about.
Even if you don't have time to order the supplies you'll need, you can definitely spend part of Mother's Day collaborating with your family on that scrapbook that you've been wanting to make. Have fun going through the years of photos you have stored and picking out which moments to remember (and which ones you can let fall to the side).
Another similar option is to work on a photo book for your family. I like using Blurb and Artifact Uprising myself, but there are tons of options out there. I make a book each year — and I really need to catch up on the last two.
2. Bake together.
I don't know about you, but I have always loved baking with my child. He is always inevitably way messier than I ever would be on my own, but it's a sweet way to bond. If baking isn't your thing, let your family bake for you! You're sure to love anything they make if they put enough love into it, right?
3. Let your kids host you at a 'restaurant.'
So sure, we're all stuck at home this Mother's Day and can't go out for brunch or any fun meals. If your kids are old enough, let them set up a "restaurant" at the kitchen table for you. They can choose the menu, the drinks, and even the decor — you just have to show up and be ready to be spoiled.
A friendly hint: Make sure you're ready with a tip! My kid would definitely expect one.
4. Get a tarot card reading online.
OK, this option isn't for everyone … but if you saw that it and screamed Yeeessss inside your head, it's for you! You can find several options for online tarot card readings just by googling the phrase, and if you want to support someone local to your town, add that to your search.
5. Movie day!
I know a woman who spends every Mother's Day in the theater, which is her happy place. Her whole family joins her, and they stay all day and usually see two to four amazing movies, depending on what's out at the time. While an all-day fest at the theater probably isn't happening for any of us anytime soon, you can still have the movie fest at home. What you watch is up to you, but totally make sure The Way We Were is on there.
6. Invite your mom friends for your OWN virtual time together.
Just because the day is celebrating being a mom, it doesn't mean you have to hang out with your family the ENTIRE day. Right now, some of us are probably feeling tapped out when it comes to 24/7 family time. If that's you, connect with your mom friends who feel the same way at some point, by video chat or even phone call.
7. Take an online dance class.
If you're looking for a way to spend time for yourself that will feel a little productive, taking an online dance class is definitely one option. There are so many out there, from classes offered by studios that are local to you to free classes on YouTube that are hosted by dancers and instructors from around the world.
8. Camp in your backyard.
Maybe you don't go all-in for glamorous activities, and you don't particularly like staying indoors … why not camp in your backyard? Snag some s'mores ingredients if you can, and invite the family (or don't!). Either way, setting up the tent in the backyard can be a really fun, relaxing way to spend the night.
9. Go on a socially distant hike.
As some states are relaxing their social distancing requirements, it means state parks and forests are opening back up. While we all know the hot spots near our respective communities, it doesn't take too much work to uncover parks and forests that are less traveled. Taking time to spend a little while outdoors can be a huge mood shifter, for the better.
10. Sleep in!
This one is last on the list, but it's definitely my favorite. Depending on the age of your kids, it might not be the easiest to pull off, but if you can, sleep in as long as you want on Mother's Day. When you're getting ready for bed the night before, put on your favorite pajamas, get the fan on the setting you like, make sure the temperature is perfect, and prepare for a blissful morning of sleep, sleep, sleep.
And psst: You don't have to actually sleep the whole time! You can tell your family you're "sleeping in" while actually happily sitting in bed with a book and a cup of coffee until whenever you want. It's Mother's Day!
