Celebrating Mother’s Day in the empty nest can be bittersweet for mothers. Mother’s Day, which is traditionally a time to celebrate and honor motherhood, can also be a tough reminder of the changes and transitions that have occurred within the family dynamic. For many mothers, the experience of raising children is a central part of their identity. Adjusting to the new normal without kids at home can be a difficult transition, especially on Mother’s Day. With these 17 Great Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Empty Nest, you will be sure to enjoy your special day even if the kids cannot make it back to the nest!
Be Flexible With Your Mother’s Day Expectations
We often think kids can simply drop everything to celebrate Mother’s Day. However, the reality may be quite different. College age kids are often in school in the midst of final exams. Older ones are forging ahead in the working world with little vacation time to visit home. As a result, some mothers may feel unappreciated or ignored. However, if you are flexible with your expectations, there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day while embracing this new phase of life.
17 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day as an Empty Nest
Sometimes breaking from tradition is a welcome change for everyone. Here are 17 great ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in the empty nest:
- Schedule a Virtual Family Chat: COVID taught us how easily we can keep in touch using FaceTime or Zoom. Schedule a virtual family chat, where everyone can hop on and toast to Mom!
2. All About Me Day: Plan an All About Me Day around your favorite activities and do whatever your heart desires. You have worked hard for years … you deserve to do whatever you wish!
3. Sunday Funday: If your children are unable to visit, get together with other fellow empty nester Moms for a Sunday Funday! Creating new memories with your gal pals is so fun!
4. Spend Quality Time with Your Mother: Connect with your own mother or other maternal figures in your life by planning a special visit, meal or activity together. This is extremely important as they age and incredibly appreciated by them. If you have something else planned for Mother’s Day, consider spending some quality time together the day before.
5. Visit your Children: If your kids are not free from work or school, then consider visiting them! I did this one year and had so much fun. I invited my mother and we went on a roadtrip visiting two out of three kids (who were in school near each other). We had a fun getaway together and celebrated with each kid eating a special meal together in their college towns!
6. Pamper Yourself: Self-care has been put on the back burner for years. Mother’s Day is a great day to pamper yourself, whether it’s indulging in a spa day, massage, mani/pedi, or going to the gym/club. You can also create a spa day at home with a long bath surrounded by lavender candles, a good book and a glass of wine. You will feel like a million bucks!
7. Shop ’til you Drop: What can be better on Mother’s Day than shopping therapy! Lots of good sales are going on during this time. Buy yourself a special something … you deserve it!
8. Go to High Tea: High tea is an absolutely fun way to spend Mother’s Day and soothes the soul. Find out what restaurants offer tea time in your hometown or create your own at home! Bring out your fancy teas, fine china and pair it with your favorite treats!
9. Take a Roadtrip: There is nothing like freedom on the road and wind in your hair to make you feel like a kid again. Head on a road trip to a fave destination and make stops along the way. Make it even more memorable by renting a convertible or unique, fun car. Veer off to an antique shop, a roadside farm stand, or a quaint diner. Without a set schedule, you will make all kinds of new discoveries!
10. Enjoy the Outdoors: Enjoy nature and the beauty of springtime by going for a long walk in the city, hitting a farmers market, hiking your favorite park, or reading a good book outside for some quiet time. Pack a picnic and make it a memorable day outside.
11. Plan a Wellness Trip: There are many new wellness spas and resorts popping up around the country that offer healthy activities, lift your spirits and have you feeling refreshed for the day or after a long weekend. It’s a great day for some wellness!
12. Head to the Water: There is nothing more peaceful and therapeutic than spending time by the ocean, river or lake. Head to a nearby beach, bay, lake or river for a long walk, boat ride, day trip or weekend getaway.
13. Get Creative with a Masterclass: Sign up for that Masterclass you have always wanted to take — whether in person or virtual. Try a cooking class, an art class, a flower arranging class, a mixology class … whatever creative skill you have on your list to perfect.
14. Dance Your Heart Out: Dancing is a fun way to celebrate any special day. Grab your hubby and dance to your old wedding songs. Take a ballroom dance class, hip hop, belly dancing or salsa class. In addition to being fun, it’s great exercise and you will acquire some new moves! Dance away!
15. Go to the Theater: Make it a special day by getting tickets to a show, dressing up and heading to the theater! Let the music and artistry mesmerize you to you another world!
16. Volunteer: Use the day to give back to your community or a cause that you care about. Giving back to others in need can give you a sense of appreciation and satisfaction.
17. Change the Date: Finally, Mother’s Day should actually be everyday, so why not move this Hallmark holiday to a date that works for you and your family? We have postponed our Mother’s Day celebration in the past to wait for the kids to return from college exams. The actual date makes no difference and it gives everyone something to look forward upon their return. Big bonus — you get another day that’s all about you. Yes!
Appreciate the Positive Impact You Have Made on Your Children as an Empty Nester
Whether a mother is celebrating with her children or spending the day alone, the most important thing is to acknowledge your success in raising independent children. Your unconditional love has helped create the next generation, who are making an impact on the world. You have loved and sacrificed so much for your family. Embrace this new phase of life and create new memories. As an empty nester, reflect on your journey as a mother and embrace the positive influence you’ve had on your children’s lives.
Cheers to Moms Everywhere in the Empty Nest
Raising kind, loving and independent kids is the best gift of all! It is the most important and rewarding job you can ever have. Enjoy your special day with these 17 Great Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Empty Nest! Cheers to all Moms everywhere! Happy Mother’s Day!
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