I remember when my son was young, and how special Mother’s Days used to be. He was always so excited about the little gifts he had made at school, his little hands working hard to create something just for me.
As a family, we’d spend the day together—sometimes it was a trip to the zoo, other times a picnic with my Mom and Dad or Nana. Whatever we did, it was always full of love and laughter.
But now, as my son is an adult, Mother’s Day has changed. The homemade gifts have stopped coming, and some years, I don’t hear much from him at all. Other years, I might receive a thoughtful gift certificate or a little gift bag filled with my favorite treats. While it’s nice to receive gifts, it’s not the same as those earlier years when he was so eager to celebrate me.
I think back to when we first got married. We tried for a long time to have more children, with big hopes for a large family. But life had other plans, and we ended up on the adoption journey, and I’m grateful for the child we have.
That first Mother’s Day, after years of yearning, was especially meaningful. At church, all the mothers were asked to stand for a special blessing, and I had tears in my eyes, finally able to receive that blessing after so many years of waiting.
Now, I find myself in a different phase—no longer the mom of a little child, but a mother to an adult who is making his own way in the world. I can’t control what he does for me on Mother’s Day anymore. And that’s okay, though there are moments when I wish things were a little more like they used to be.
So, what about us moms with adult children or even those of us living in an empty nest? How do we celebrate Mother’s Day now?
Embracing New Traditions
As I reflect on these changes, I’ve come to realize that celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t have to look like it did when my son was younger. Yes, I miss the homemade gifts, the excited smiles, and the chaos of family activities, but there’s something beautiful in this new chapter, too.
When you’re a mom with adult children, it’s easy to feel like the day isn’t for you anymore, but that’s not true. It’s just different.
It’s not about expecting a gift or waiting for someone else to make the day special for you. It’s about embracing the joy that comes from having raised someone who is out in the world, making their own way.
This year, I’m planning to create a new tradition for myself. Maybe it’s a quiet morning of reflection and gratitude, remembering all the precious moments I had when my son was little, but also acknowledging the joy of seeing him grow and thrive as an adult (and it has been one heck of a bumpy ride!).
I might treat myself to something I’ve been wanting—a good book, time spent cross stitching, or going outside and playing in the dirt. The key is to do something that feels right for me, without relying on others to make the day special.
For the Empty Nest Moms
For those of us in the empty nest phase, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet. It’s a reminder of the quiet house and the fact that our children, while always a part of us, have begun their own lives. But even in this emptiness, there’s room to celebrate.
Maybe it’s a day of pampering yourself—no kids to worry about, no one else’s schedule to follow.
Perhaps you’ll reconnect with old friends, or visit a garden or park, enjoying the peace of being by yourself.
Or even go on an adventure, as a solo traveler, to explore new places or revisit old favorites.
Mother’s Day can be a time to reflect on your own journey as a mother, but also as a woman with her own dreams and passions.
Finding Joy in What You Can Control
I can’t control what my son does on Mother’s Day, and I’ve learned that I don’t need to. In the same way, I can’t control the passage of time or the changes that come with it. But I can control how I choose to spend my day and how I choose to honor the beautiful gift of motherhood.
Whether it’s celebrating the quiet moments or indulging in a little luxury, I’ve come to see that Mother’s Day is about cherishing all the ways that life unfolds.
It’s about being grateful for the relationship I have with my son—whether it’s filled with homemade cards or simple, thoughtful gifts—and honoring the mother I’ve become along the way.
And for anyone else out there with adult children or in an empty nest, remember: Mother’s Day isn’t just about receiving—it’s also about recognizing and celebrating the woman you’ve become in this new season of life.