Living away from home can be tough – particularly around the holidays.
Every time you scroll through your Instagram and Facebook feed you’re forced to see your friends spending time with their family members while you’re sitting in your apartment alone eating ramen noodles.
And of all the days in the year, Mother’s Day is the one that hurts especially.
But with a little creativity, you can overcome the miles and feel as if you’re celebrating with your mom.
Skype or FaceTime Date
As much as moms love receiving flowers and chocolate, what really makes them smile is getting to spend time with their children. So even if you’re miles apart, you can still spend some quality time together with the click of a button. Whether it’s by telephone, FaceTime, or Skype, this is the best way to spend some time together without being home.
Spa Date
Book your mom a relaxing day at her favourite spa and book yourself one at the same time— this way you can both relax together. But don’t forget to keep in touch during your appointments and send each other photos of your manicure and pedicure. This will make it feel like you were getting your mani-pedis side by side.
Coordinate a Movie Night
With Netflix so readily available, plan a special movie night for you and your mom. Let her pick her favourite movie and start watching it at the same time. For added effect, put each other on speakerphone so it feels like you’re watching the movie on the same couch.
Cook Something That Reminds You of Your Mom
If you’re savvy in the kitchen, try to cook something that your mom taught you to make growing up or a dish that reminds you of home. Make sure to send her plenty of pictures of the finished dish and let her know how delicious it was.
Plan a Surprise
Everyone knows that moms love surprises, especially from their children because they’re never expecting something. Start Mother’s Day off with a nice phone call or Skype session with your mom, but leave her to believe that’s the only special moment you’ll share that day. Then have your dad or siblings surprise your mom with a special gift you secretly mailed home later in the evening.
Plan a Girls Day
Just because you aren’t able to spend Mother’s Day together this year doesn’t mean you can’t spend a special day together soon. You could get tickets for a play or musical your mom has been dying to see, book a spa day, or make reservations for afternoon tea. Your mom will appreciate your thoughtfulness and you will both have something special to look forward to at your next reunion.
Photo Album
Put together two photo albums — one for your mom and one for you — send hers in the mail, and look at it together so you can remember all of your special moments.
Travel
If you can’t afford to travel all the way back home, you and your mom can arrange to meet each other halfway at a destination you’ve both always wanted to check out. This will allow you to not only spend some quality time together, but you’ll be able to explore a new city for a few days.
Send Her Something Special
Put together a special care package for your mom with all of her favourite goodies. On the morning of Mother’s Day, have her open her gift over Skype or FaceTime and it will feel like you’re opening the gift with her.
Celebrate With Your Friends
Chances are you won’t be the only one in your group of friends who isn’t able to spend the day with their mom. Host a get-together for all of your friends spending the day alone so you can all take turns sharing special stories about your mothers.
