Mother's Day, celebrated on March 21st every year, is a wonderful occasion to express love and appreciation for the most cherished person in our hearts—our mothers. In Arab countries, this day has become a significant tradition, where children take great care in offering gifts and sending heartfelt messages to their mothers. However, there are certain etiquette rules to follow to ensure the celebration is meaningful and free from awkward situations.
In the following lines, Duaa Biro, an etiquette and human relations expert, shares essential tips on how to celebrate Mother's Day with love, respect, and the right etiquette.
Etiquette Rules for Mother's Day Celebration
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Gift Selection: It’s important to choose a gift for your mother that suits her tastes. Gifts like jewelry (gold or silver), accessories such as handbags, belts, or headscarves, are wonderful options. If your mother enjoys cooking, consider giving her something useful in the kitchen. This thoughtful approach will leave a lasting positive impact.
If you plan to buy clothes or shoes, it's better to take your mother with you to the store if you're unsure about her size, ensuring the gift matches her style perfectly.
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Kissing Her Forehead: After presenting the gift, a loving kiss on your mother’s forehead is a wonderful gesture that expresses deep affection and respect.
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Spending Time for Gift Presentation: Allocate a reasonable amount of time for presenting the gift, around an hour or two, to ensure you are fully present and engaged. If there is a mother-in-law, make sure to visit both mothers on the same day, one visit for your own mother and the other for your mother-in-law.
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Gift Wrapping: It is important not to overdo the gift wrapping. Wrap the gift in a soft, simple, and beautiful manner that reflects your love and thoughtfulness.
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Handwritten Card: Include a handwritten card with your gift, offering prayers for your mother and showering her with compliments and kind words during the gift-giving moment. This personal touch enhances the celebration.
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Flowers with the Gift: A bouquet of flowers, preferably white or pink, is a perfect complement to your Mother's Day gift. Avoid giving red flowers, as they may not be as suitable for the occasion. Flowers should be accompanied by heartfelt words that resonate with your mother’s preferences.
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If Giving Money: If the gift is money, it’s essential to place it in an envelope with beautiful handwritten words. Inside the envelope, a note expressing your love and gratitude would make the gesture even more special.
Mother's Day Gift for the Mother-in-Law
Your mother-in-law holds a special place, much like your own mother, so it's important to gift her something as well. Here are some guidelines:
- Ensure that the gift for both your mother and your mother-in-law is similar in value to avoid awkwardness.
- If both mothers get along well, it’s ideal to gather everyone for a lunch or dinner, creating a joyful and positive atmosphere.
- Dedicate the day to making both mothers feel special, whether by taking them for a walk or helping with family preparations.
- Even if you're treating your mother or mother-in-law to a spa day or salon visit, the gift-giving should not be skipped. A small but meaningful gesture will show your thoughtfulness.
Celebrating with a Deceased Mother
If one of the mothers has passed away, it's important not to spend the day in mourning. Instead, remember her with kindness, share good memories with your children, and pray for her soul. This is an excellent opportunity to tell your children and grandchildren positive stories about their grandmother.
Family Gathering for Mother's Day
To make the day memorable, it’s ideal for children and grandchildren to visit the mother together, dressed in cheerful and elegant clothes, showing care and attention to her. When you arrive, focus on reminiscing about happy memories with her, avoiding any discussions that may lead to sadness. While spending time together, it's important to not focus on other tasks, like helping children with homework.
Phone and Social Media Etiquette
During a family gathering at your mother’s house, avoid distractions like using your phone or social media. It is best to focus on spending quality time with your mother. While taking pictures to capture the moment is great, avoid sharing them on social media without getting permission from everyone.
Virtual Participation for Traveling Children
If any child is traveling and unable to be with the family, they can participate by making a video call to share in the celebration. Sending a gift via a delivery service or sending money ahead of time also ensures that the child’s presence is felt during the celebration.
In conclusion, Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the significant role mothers play in our lives. By following these etiquette rules, you can ensure that the day remains respectful, thoughtful, and full of love, creating beautiful memories that both you and your mother will cherish forever.
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