This is why Mother's Day exists
It is such a day in the year that I always almost forget, despite the fact that I am a mother myself. And if I had a list of ‘important holidays’, Mother's Day would not be at the top (well, somewhere in a shared spot with Father's Day of course). I don't know why that is, but I just always think of it too late. Fortunately, I have four sisters who do think of this, so there is always something arranged for our mother.
Still, it is quite bad, because when I think about it, my mother makes a huge project out of all holidays. Also from smaller festive moments, by the way. She just likes to seize every excuse to celebrate things, we all have that, to be honest. It is always prepared down to the last detail, from the food to the napkins that match the theme. We never want to miss those holidays at our parents' home; I wouldn't celebrate them anywhere else for any amount of money. It is only since I have my own little household that I realize how much time and attention she spends on this, just to make it cozy for all of us.
What I didn't know is that this has a name: kinkeeping. A bit of a strange word, but the meaning is very clear. Kinkeeping is taking care of coziness, bringing the family together, and doing all that without others realizing how much effort you put into it. That caring role is, not very surprisingly, mainly one that women take on. 91 percent of the people who voluntarily (and often a bit unconsciously) take on this task are women. They are the glue of the family, ensuring that everyone stays close. Enough reason to show a little extra how grateful you are for that, because maybe you take it for granted sometimes because it has never been any different. You have gotten used to it and contentedly push your chair in after yet another meticulously prepared and decorated Christmas dinner, but maybe forget to give an extra hug.
Your mother probably won't even ask for it herself because she finds it just as natural, but still, I would like to suggest: celebrate Mother's Day just as extensively and go ‘all out’ with decorations, gifts, and snacks, but especially with your own company. Because that is what mothers ultimately do it all for.
Source: nytimes.com
