The sweet scent of florals fills the air, the candles are lit, and the gift basket lies on the table. Hot pancakes, fresh off the griddle, lie in a short stack on a plate splattered - or shall I say decorated - with syrup. It's Mother’s Day and your mother is about to be surprised.

She comes down and gasps in delight. The family gathers and Dad fetches his phone to film. All is going well, until your mother asks you, "Um, Sara...who's going to clean all of this up?" And your eyes open wide.

Whoops?

But you and your dad work together to clean up anyway, because your mother deserves a lovely day off. It's the one day of the year she's celebrated for all of her hard work and can be made to live in comfort like a queen. 

Mother’s day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States. However, this date varies throughout the world. Some countries follow suit and celebrate in May, but others like the UAE, where I live, celebrate it in March! Still, whatever day it is, there is no excuse not to pamper your mother. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honour mothers.

Did you know that carnations are the official flower for Mother's Day? It's true! If you pop to your nearest Hallmark in May, chances are some of the cards will either have carnations or roses on them. Of course, do get your mother her favourite flowers- she’ll appreciate them!

And don't get confused - Mother's Day doesn't have to be commercialised! Gifts don't necessarily have to be expensive bottles of perfume, but can be a lovingly crafted bouquet of flowers, a homemade breakfast, or a sweet homemade thank-you card. I promise you that those show love and appreciation more than Hallmark, Dior, and Longchamp combined.

Love and appreciate your mother for all of time, readers - she has done more for you than most ever will ❤ !

Written by Sara Rowan

Edited by Hazel Emory Antler

Proofread by Sara Rowan