AAA South Jersey May/June 2012 : Page 40
GIVING MOM A BIG “THANK YOU” ON MOTHER’S DAY Continued from page 9 declare a state holiday in 1910; the remaining states quickly followed. The U.S. Congress passed a law on May 8, 1914, designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation the next day, stipulating the first national Mother’s Day was a day for Americans to fly their flags to honor mothers who had lost sons in war. Two decades later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved a Mother’s Day postal stamp in 1934. Following the American holiday, most worldwide Mother’s Day celebrations observe similar traditions and rituals. This May 13, millions of mothers across the U.S. will celebrate a multi-generational Mother’s Day with family members ranging from babies to great-grandmothers. Vineland native Ruth Gittone, 100, was a youngster during the first Mother’s Day festivities of the early 20th century. As a child, and then a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Gittone has enjoyed Mother’s Day for almost a century. She says, “I always feel especially blessed because I could have children when others were not so fortunate.” As a little girl during America’s involvement in World War I, Gittone remembers her father bringing home sheets of wallpaper and glue. She and her sisters spent hour designing baskets from the wallpaper sheets, filling them with flowers from the yard. On Mother’s Day, the sisters presented baskets to their mother, grandmothers and aunts, plus the neighborhood women. Brooke Stromfeld, 31, of South Jersey also loves Mother’s Day. She is eagerly anticipating her second child’s birth this August, the same month as her son Harlan’s second birthday. Stromfeld feels blessed to still have her mother Nina, mother-in-law Rita and two grandmothers, Sylvia and Hilda, close by. “Our entire family enjoys Mother’s Day brunch together every year. I learn so much about their faith, values and beliefs, and will happily pass these legacies on to my own children,” says Stromfeld. Remember, mothers should be honored all the time. But, this year, every mom should sit back, be pampered and enjoy her time as a true queen for the day. Gift Ideas Mothers Day Here are a few great gift ideas for that special person in your life on Mother’s Day . 10. Weekend Getaway A weekend retreat could be great for the mom who needs a weekend to unwind. 10 Great for 9. Digital Camera For the new mom, this makes a great gift. Children grow up so fast, catching those fleeting moments are important. With scrapbooking becoming so popular, digital cameras also make a great gift for the scrapbook lover. �f;$IBSJUBCMF%POBUJPO For the mom who never stops giving, she would be honored to know that a donation was given to her favorite charity in her name. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving. 7. Buy a Tree or Star Have that special mom immortalized for years to come. Have a star named after her or buy a tree in her name. 6. Night Out New mothers would surely appreciate a night out of the house with some adult conversation and atmosphere. It’s a simple request, yet such a grand gesture for those moms who just want an evening as an adult. This works well with the morning and afternoon spent with the children. That is what Mother’s Day is about in the first place. 5. Spa Day Most mothers could use a spa day. Whether her children are at home or have long since moved out, a spa day is great choice. Spa Days range from a whole package of all the goodies like mud baths and lunch or just a half-hour massage. 4. Jewelry A great idea would be to give her a pendant with a picture of her child or children in it or a bracelet, ring or necklace with the birthstone/s of children or grandchildren. 3. Gift Baskets You can find gift baskets that contain any and everything. There are baskets that are specifically designed for Mother’s Day, but other choices include gourmet and fruit baskets, spa baskets and candle baskets. Many places also make custom baskets. �f;'MPXFSTBOE1MBOUT This is the most common of Mother’s Day gifts. It’s the obvious choice for that bouquet lover or for a very picky person. 1. The Star Treatment Being a good mother is the hardest job in the world. Offering that special mom the star treatment for a day is a great gift. Start with allowing her to sleep in. As if that weren’t gift enough, breakfast in bed and cleaning the house is just what the mom ordered. Lunch and dinner preparation should be included along with bathing, feeding and dressing the children. Basically don’t allow her to left a finger. Supply a good book or time for her to do what she wants. What mother wouldn’t want a day to recuperate? """�f;DPNt4+'JSTUt t May/June
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