After experiencing the weirdest Easter and Passover holidays in our lives, we are about to celebrate Mother’s Day in the shadow of the novel coronavirus. Though many families will necessarily be separated by social distancing protocols, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate virtually and give a gift to show you care. Here are some suggestions that can help you have a safe and fun Mother’s Day.

If your mom lives far away…

…in a different time zone, Mother’s Day will be much the same as in other years. You can send flowers, gifts, gift cards, photos, and send a personal and heartfelt card or message. However, because your mother might be isolated as she shelters in place, this might be the year that you write a special note, or send her a meaningful photo, or extra-special gift. You might consider video conferencing that could include siblings or other relatives. This is the year to do something extra, because mom could use a little warmth and tenderness during these trying times.

If your mother is within visiting distance…

…and you usually take her out to brunch or some other meal, or if you are used to family gatherings to celebrate the moms in your family, you have to rethink how you will celebrate. Many people will use an app like GotoMeeting, Zoom, Skype, Team App or Facetime to visit with their relatives. Try to work out the kinks before the date so that your virtual gathering goes smoothly. One thing is certain: Mother’s Day 2020 is one holiday that will be out of the ordinary.

If you live with your mom, or she lives in town…

…you can make Mother’s Day special. Call or go online to order brunch and have them deliver eggs benedict and a mimosa; or french toast and a bloody mary; or blueberry pancakes, waffles or whatever your mom likes for brunch.

Or, treat her to a fabulous dinner from one of our superb restaurants, or make her a special brunch or dinner. There are wonderful shops in Benicia from which you can order the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Most of the shops will deliver it beautifully wrapped, right to your door.

Or give her the gift of your time by walking her through an app, or repairing something of hers that needs attention. If you live with your mom, and your siblings and relatives live elsewhere, you could engineer the virtual meetings, phone calls and messaging. You could even do “drive by” visiting, and take your mother to relatives’ homes, so she can at least see her children, grandchildren and friends, and still maintain the required distance apart. These past weeks spent indoors and in isolation have been difficult, and getting out safely and for a short time would do everyone some good.

Connect.

These uncertain times have been difficult and discouraging for all of us, and Mother’s Day offers us an opportunity to celebrate our family connections. The pandemic may have stopped us in our tracks and changed the way that we live, but it cannot dominate the bond we share with the ones we love. As the writer Susan Gale said, “Mothers are like glue, even when you can’t see them, they are still holding the family together.”