• Many people tend to forget how much their mother does for them on a daily basis and may forget to thank her or show their appreciation on a regular basis. Mother's Day acts as a reminder for us to pamper our mothers and show them how much we love them. Although many people choose to make Mother's Day cards or buy gifts for their mothers on Mother's Day, there are several other things you can do to make this holiday special for your mom.

• In many families, mothers do most of the cooking for the household. On Mother's Day, consider giving your mom a day away from the kitchen by:

1. Getting up early and making your mom breakfast in bed
2. Packing a picnic and taking your mom to a local park or for a picnic lunch
3. Making your mom a homemade batch of cookies, cupcakes, or her favorite sweet treat

• Make Mother's Day truly special by insisting that your mother not do any chores that day. Take over the usual housekeeping responsibilities and make sure that your mom doesn't have to do housework for at least a few days by:

1. Washing her car inside and out
2. Doing the laundry
3. Vacuuming and dusting the house
4. Watering the garden and mowing the lawn

• Although Mother's Day is a great time for family activities, your mother may also appreciate some time by herself to relax.

1. Draw your mother a relaxing bath, complete with scented candles, bubble bath, her favorite music, a glass of wine or cup of tea, and her favorite book or magazine
2. Get out of the house for a few hours to allow mom and dad to spend some personal time together

• Remember that Mother's Day is all about your mom. Simple things, such as giving her a big hug, telling her how much you love her or reading her a poem you've written may mean more to her than a store bought gift.

Think of your mom's favorite activity and then plan to make it happen on Mother's Day. Some things you can consider doing are:

1. Getting the family together to play your mom's favorite sport
2. Playing your mom's favorite board game or card game
3. Renting your mom's favorite movie and watching it as a family

• You don't need a lot, or even any money to make Mother's Day special for your mom. Keep your mother in mind when planning activities for her special day—think of things that she would truly appreciate and then do your best to make them happen.