Deciding on an appropriate Mother's Day gift that is thoughtful and affordable while also saying "Mum you're treasured", is a challenge all of its own in the midst of a global pandemic, declining economy and life in isolation.
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Now, more than ever, the importance of sharing in small traditions like Mother's Day can go a long way towards keeping a sense of normality during a time that couldn't be further from such a luxury.
Flowers have always been the go-to gift to mark the occasion on the second Sunday in May. In many parts of the world, carnations are regarded as the quintessential Mother's Day flowers, but in Australia, it's chrysanthemums that hold this privilege, according to the florists at freshflowers.com.au.
With many businesses around the country forced to close their doors due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and others finding creative new ways to stay afloat in uncharted waters, the simple gesture of gift-giving on Mother's Day, suddenly becomes a chance not only to express our appreciation for our Mums, but to throw a lifeline to small businesses around Australia.
With campaigns like Buy from the Bush connecting shoppers to small business owners all over the country, the significance to purchase a meaningful gift now carries much more weight.
The social media campaign was established last year to help drought-stricken (and later bushfire-affected) communities by giving them a platform to showcase beautiful things to buy from rural communities facing drought while offering a small way to invest in their future.
But for some, gestures speak louder than gifts and the act of making Mum breakfast in bed, hand-made crafts, pampering Mum or picking up all the jobs around the house she would normally get stuck doing, might be your answer to Mother's Day in home isolation. Or even something as simple as giving her some much needed 'me time'.
Whatever it may look like, as long as it celebrates how much you appreciate your Mum, or whoever that mother-figure might be to you, it's bound to collectively lift the current state of spirits right now.
For a good many of us though, it won't be possible to give Mum that familiar cuddle this Mother's Day, lockdown laws combined with the simple case of geography mean digital connection is the only connection right now.
For many this step into the digital space has been a steep learning experience to move into the 21st century. For others it's maybe meant finding the patience within themselves to teach these technologies without losing their mind and instead remembering that this Mother's Day more then ever is time to stay connected.
Not matter how many times it takes to get into the call.
