Sakura Mya
I am certain that many of you are aware of what Mother’s and Father’s Day mean and I am also sure you all take time to show appreciation for your parents on these days. In Japan, this year’s Mother’s Day was on May 14th and Father’s Day will fall on June 18th; however, this differs from country to country. Both of these days are equally significant, as people do not get to appreciate their parents every day (if you do, that is quite impressive) and these days may be one of the only days you show gratitude towards your parents. Of course, flowers and other gifts are a typical way to go but perhaps, next time, you can add a little variation to these days.
It isn’t always this way, but moms do prefer thoughtful gifts like crafts, cards, letters or even poems.
1. Make a special craft
Nothing really goes wrong with crafting. I mean, have you seen modern art? If you think flowers are too consistent, make handcrafted flowers instead. They will never wither and it’ll be a cute little memory. Spray perfume for the scent for all that matters. While making these, you can consider many things, maybe her favourite colour (it’s the little things that stand out).
Image credit – https://youtu.be/VZSop5ilu0g
2. Write a heartfelt poem or letter
When writing poems and letters, add a little inside joke; after all, it is okay to exclude other people since the day is mainly about your mother and you. These are ideal for those who are away from home since they can be sent via post. If you consider posts being too out of date, perhaps sending them digitally isn’t so bad either. Make a post on social media with pictures of your mother in good angles and if it’d interest you, add some goofy ones to remind your mother about your witty personality and approach in showing love.
3. Spend some quality time
Mothers also love spending quality time with you. They can be busy and it won’t be everyday you spend time with your mother. Even if you do, it’s not like she will love it any less. Surprise her with a nice little breakfast. Hopefully, she doesn’t wake up smelling something burnt, and if your cooking is just that horrid, cook a meal together with her. It’s the moment you are happy together that matters, not the dish (even though it would really assemble the whole thing). Your mother will love it no matter what you do because she loves you.
Your dad might be of a different department however. Once again, it isn’t always this way but fathers are humorous most of the time. That’s why some jokes are called “dad jokes”. Somehow, I still can’t wrap my head around how dads told them so much that they literally made a term for it. Anyway, if you’re one of those people constantly overwhelmed by them, it’s time you turn the tables.
1. Buy him a nice watch
Just to remind him of that one time when he made that joke about time consuming.
2. Spend some time outdoors or hold a barbeque
Jokes aside (literally), dads also do enjoy quality time with you. If your dad loves the outdoors, take him camping if he’s more of a mountain guy or go swimming at the beach if he prefers the blue. You can also take him hiking or to play sports or even to a sports game, one that you share the same interest for (even in the case you cheer for different teams, it’ll be a good competition). Whether any of this happens to be inconvenient or if your dad prefers staying in, a simple barbeque in the backyard will do the trick. Do the grocery shopping beforehand or together, it’s really up to you, and it might seem unlikely but hours will surely pass by like minutes. Your dad would think so, indulging in the moment, as fathers value their time with their family more than anything.
Image credit – Aleksandar Nakic
In case you were wondering, here are some more ways students and teachers in Saint Maur celebrate these special days:
Ms. Gayatry (teacher): “I came to know of this day only after coming to Japan but nowadays, though, Mother’s Day is celebrated in India as well. I would bring flowers, a small message card and cook something special for mom. I think most mothers are happy just to be acknowledged and appreciated for what they are. If I get the chance now to be in India with my mother on this day, I think I would get her a gift ticket to a spa or something. She isn’t into that kind of thing though, so maybe I would buy myself a ticket too, and we’d go together, haha!”
“Father’s Day would usually be a card for dad and maybe lunch or dinner somewhere special. It is much more low key… My dad always complains that Mother’s Day tends to be so much more special than Father’s Day! Haha. More than the external gesture though, it is always the feeling in one’s heart that matters!”
“Mothers and Fathers are precious gifts. I find it impossible to express all the gratitude that I really feel towards mine.”
A very sweet comment indeed.
Addisyn (G12): “On Mother’s Day, I normally get my mom flowers but this time around I decided to get my boyfriend’s mom something because I’ve spent a lot of time with her recently: I made her a card and my boyfriend and I got her this flower pot thing that was shaped to resemble a dog and was made out of hay and had red flowers in it because she likes red!”
“For Father’s Day, my dad enjoys a good pun as much as I do, so I usually come up with something and make him a card and a nice meal and we just have a nice chat about his late parents.”
Seems like I wasn’t so wrong about fathers and dad jokes after all.
Kylie (G9): By giving them letters and sending messages sometimes. I also wash dishes for them.
How could I forget that doing chores is the ultimate way of showing appreciation towards your parents?
Mother’s and Father’s Day falls only once a year, making it less than 100 days our lifetime to celebrate it. Of course, you won’t always be saying you love them or consistently buying them gifts. Love for your parents is most detectable internally. It’s on occasions like these that are your great chances to fully show how thankful and grateful you are and reflect on the journey you have had with them. Lastly, it is also extremely important to point out that Mother’s/Father’s Day do not only apply to biological mothers and fathers; adoptive parents deserve all the best and we admire all the single mothers and fathers out there, too.
Sakura Mya