I am sure the majority of us could also say the same thing about our mother’s that Abraham Lincoln did of his when he penned: “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” For me personally, I can say the same thing about my angel father. All that I have become and accomplished is certainly in large part a result of my incredible parents; and the person I am trying to become – and that I also hope my children will emulate – are the two wonderful people who brought me into the world and provided me all that I have and am.

Below are listed 10 fun and meaningful traditions and activities that are sure to be enjoyed by any mother or father on their one day off during the year.

1) The Table Cloth: Get a white table cloth that can be written on. Each year, bring out the table cloth and everyone will write down a few things they love about Dad/Mom, or some memory from the past year, etc.

2) Day Off: Of course, Dad/Mom does not have to work at all that day – no cooking, cleaning, dishes, work, etc. Just a day off of relaxation, fun, and being loved and served (yes, that means Dad cooks dinner for Mom on Mother’s Day). In addition – Mom/Dad get to do whatever they want that day: a makeover, a baseball game, go shopping, golfing, etc.

3) Help a Mother/Father in Need: In preparation, find a local family in need, and on Mother’s day and/or Father’s day, make the day special for them. Give a meal, some money, clothes, toys for kids, books, food, etc.

4) Memory Jar / Book: Each year the children will take a few slips of paper and simply write down what they love about Dad/Mom, a few memories from the past year, etc. They will present them that year, and then store and save them all, year by year, in a jar or book.

5) Breakfast in Bed: Mom gets Breakfast in Bed on her day, and Dad gets Breakfast in Bed on his day. Have the kids help make the meal, and just sit on the bed and everyone eat breakfast, and just talk and laugh.

6) Parents & Children’s Letters: This may seem silly to have Mom/Dad give a gift on their day, but Mom/Dad will write a letter to each of their children and just express how much they love them and why they are grateful they are their Parent. Then, each child will write Mom/Dad and tell them why they love them. All these letters will be stored and kept in a ‘Mother’s / Father’s Day Scrapbook.’

7) Special Plate: Buy or make a plate that will specifically be used for special occasions. Pull it out for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for the person being celebrated.

Father’s Day Campout / Outing: Have Dad take the kids out and just spend time with them that weekend. Go camping, go to a movie, go to a game – do whatever Dad wants, but just have time with Dad and the kids.

9) Give to a New Mother: Whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger in the community – find a new mother (ideally one who has very little) and just recognize them on their First Mother’s Day. Give them gifts, money, food, clothes, toys, etc.

10) Family Day: Just spend time together as a family. Share meals together, go outside for a walk together, play games as a family, and just spend time with each other.

And yet, perhaps the greatest gift we could give our mother or father is not necessarily the increased affection, love, and attention on this one special day, but the same level of love and attention every day of the year. That certainly does not mean that breakfast in bed must be served every morning, a table cloth should be brought out for every meal, and especially that mom doesn’t get the day off every day (then we’d really be in trouble); ideally what it simply means is that we demonstrate appreciation, love, obedience, respect, and service towards our parents every day – not just one day a year.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm and is filed under Holiday Traditions & Activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.