The deluge of advertising for Mother’s Day Gifts is in full spate. Every where, stores are telling me just what Mom wants for her “special day”. Usually this stuff just rolls off me — I gave my Mom a card and maybe some hand lotion she had asked for, plus a nice long chat by long distance. But this year, with that Mom-shaped space in my life, the incessant noise of the advertising is getting me down. Remembering your Mom shouldn’t be an occasion for spending anything more than your time.
Because shared experiences are better than things.
And it’s not just mother instinct that tells me that….it’s science!
Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton have written a book, Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending, about how money CAN buy happiness, if you spend it right.
In this article, they explain that their research showed how and why spending money on doing things — not having things — is best.
Material things are very often enjoyed alone. Social relationships are the single most critical thing in our lives for happiness. Anything we can do with our money to enhance those relationships is a good thing.
So take some time to be with Mom, and if you are going to spend money on her as well, make sure it’s something that she can experience (preferrably with you!).
Life Edited has some good ideas, including a spa day, a class, or just writing her a letter. Take it from a Mom/Grandmother, a heart-felt note will be cherished long after the scent of the nicest gift perfume has faded.
The Lady Who Lives Down the Lane 