Although Mother’s Day has become somewhat commercialised, with many mothers not attaching too much importance to the day, there still seems to be an element of pleasure and surprise for the vast majority of mums.

For mothers who have children living abroad, the all-important phone call on Mother’s Day is eagerly awaited and very much appreciated- Sonja Kralj

When asked what they’d like to receive on Mother’s Day, most mothers seem to feel that the traditional gifts of flowers, or potted plants, or chocolates are perfectly acceptable.

However, as is the case with many families in Malta, many mothers have children living abroad, which tends to lead to a lack of festivity. This is because, in England for instance, Mother’s Day is celebrated earlier (this year on March 18), whereas in Malta it is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of the month (this year on May 13).

Thus, it is difficult to decide when to celebrate. Do children living overseas send Mother’s Day cards and presents on March 18, or do they have to buy the cards in England in March and post them to Malta in May?

A mother living in Malta, who has a daughter here and two other daughters living in England, has found a novel solution to this dilemma. All three daughters buy Mother’s Day cards in March. This is slightly problematic for the daughter in Malta, as she has to make do with left-over cards from the previous year. She then meets her family in England wherethey all celebrate Mother’s Daybelatedly.

This year, since she was in England, they also spent Easter Sunday together and will be celebrating the ‘Maltese’ Mothers Day. In this case, the sorts of presents the mother would value are orchids, champagne or toiletries, such as hand cream, body wash or scent.

The principal factor of importance to all mothers is that, if possible, they spend this special day with their children (or grandchildren, if there are any). In fact, another mother who also has two sons living abroad and another in Malta celebrates Mother’s day in Malta.

The family in Malta organise a family picnic in a location where the grandchildren can play and be entertained. The children take their bicycles and toys to play with and adults each contribute a food item towards the picnic lunch. Rice salad, salads, sandwiches and cakes are the usual fare on these picnics and a good time is enjoyed by mothers, grandmothers and the rest of the family.

Generally, most families in Malta celebrate Mother’s Day by going out for a family lunch, and all over Malta, restaurants do a roaring trade and provide special menus for the day.

An alternative to this is for one of the children to host a lunch party and do all the cooking and preparations to ensure that mother has a pampered dayout. This would be especiallyvalued by those who do notcare for the overcrowding at restaurants.

Another lady whose family follow the usual practice of lunching out as a celebration is particularly keen that her son and daughter buy her extra-special Mother’s Day cards. It is something she treasures very much.

When asked what would be her favourite treat for celebrating the day, she immediately replied she would love a quiet and relaxing day in Gozo with all the family. However, it seems that giving cards on Mother’s Day is not all that popular in Malta.

For mothers who have children living abroad, the all-important phone call on Mother’s Day is eagerly a-waited and very much appreciated.

Tips for a more meaningful day

• Young children should take special pride in making their own Mother’s Day cards to give to mummy with special wording inside. Older children could think of having a family photograph taken and giving it to mum in a pretty frame.

• Suggestions of actual help or service instead of material gifts. For instance, a young child whose working mum finds it singularly difficult to do all the household chores might offer to vacuum the carpets, or polish the silver or wash the car, all chores which need to be done but can often be put on the back burner.

• If the mother enjoys gardening, it would brighten her special day to receive beautiful flowering potted plants like miniature rose bushes, blooming azalea plants or artistically shaped topiaries. Fragrant, blooming lavender plants, bright blue or pink hydrangeas or easy-grow herbs to start a new herb garden all make great Mother’s Day gifts.

• Another variant on the usual flowers would be to order special fruit arrangements, or a small hamper with the sorts of treats the children know their mother would love.

• If mum uses a computer but has to rely on family or friends to fix technical problems, another novel idea would be to organise personal technical support by a professional.

• For mothers who enjoy cooking, why not purchase a cute and pretty kitchen apron? Or there might be a gadget or piece of kitchen equipment you know she needs.

It all rather depends on what the mother’s favourite pastime is. Books or book tokens or massage and spa vouchers are another idea.

• For those who want and can afford something more spectacular, how aboutsailing for a day, brunch on a boat, clay pigeon shooting or driving round a race track, or vouchers for a ferry trip to Sicily?

• Whichever way you do it, this year, do try and make a special effort to give mother a gift to remember and an extra special day with a difference.