When I got married to a Tamil Brahmin, we knew we came from different worlds so to maintain a balance we decided to only celebrate festivals and occasions we wanted to. For us Diwali, Holi became just holidays. Soon the North Indian in me started missing the fun around these festivals but I was too lazy to make an effort.
When I had kids, I wanted them to be exposed to the Indian culture. I remembered how these festivals were great bonding time with my family and cousins when we were kids; mom used to make sweets and goodies, buy us new clothes, decorate the house etc. I still cherish those times and I knew it was time for me to come out of the shell, celebrate and introduce my kids to the Indian tradition in its mighty glory. Today, we celebrate Holi, Diwali, Pongal, Ganpati, Christmas, Children’s Day all with the same fervour. This year we added Janmashtami to the list.
I do probably only a small percent of what my mom did for us. I remember that preparations used to start 20-25 days in advance with mathri, gujiya, nariyal laddoos and more being made. We had a huge double storey house, so imagine what a humungous task she had at hand. Also, since our grandmom used to live with us all her kids and their kids would be home for Diwali, which was fun for us but now I realise how taxing it was for her.
Diwali is around the corner, and this wonderful video by Bajaj Electricals I watched today has inspired me to do something special for her because she has been such a silent giver in my family. This time I want to #GiftAFestival to you, an idea borrowed from this video.
Mommy, this Diwali, I am making you our favourite dish- Gulab Jamuns!! It is my way of #GiftAFestival in your honour.
When I imagine you frying them in our kitchen, the aroma still tantalises my taste buds and I hope that mine turn out at least a few notches close to yours.
This is what I am doing for my mom and here are a few things that you can do for your mom to make her feel special;
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Have Your Moments
In our busy lives and age of nuclear families most of us stay away from our parents and even if we stay with them we don’t spend enough time with them. My kids are still young and while I am around them, I still can see my preteen son wanting his space and not wanting to accompany me at times. So imagine if you keep aside an entire day for your mom, during the festivities it would mean the world to her.
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Pen Those Letters For Your Mom
WhatsApp and emails have made life so impersonal. There are times when you are sending a message to your mom but can’t even receive a call from her at the same time. So surprise her by writing a letter to her. Trust me the old age way of writing letters brings in a lot of thoughts and emotions and would definitely touch her heart.
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Catch Her Unaware
If you live in different cities fly in and drop her a surprise. If you live in the same city, you can drop in to help her set the house for Diwali or take her out for a shopping or spa date. Much needed break in all the Diwali craziness.
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Gift Of Love For Your Mom
A gift that makes her life simple or the one she will use a lot automatically becomes a gift of love. For eg, I know my mom loves to bake cakes and loved her fish grilled and an OTG from Bajaj appliances would make a perfect gift. It’s not about expensive or non-expensive, it’s about the thought that goes behind it.
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Knit It With Love
Gift them with a meaningful gift such as a scrapbook filled with family pictures or knit them a scarf. When a lot of thought goes into a gift, it is cherished more. Moms have a knack of seeing through our efforts so a gift which you made yourself and did not buy online or from a store would get star ratings :).
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Play Cards
Since it’s Diwali, this is a North Indian tradition and since my mom loves cards and maybe your mom does too. Play cards with her and share a bonding time with her or throw a cards party and invite all her friends over. Add a little spark and fun to her life.
Here are my suggestions, would love to hear yours. If you put a little thought and effort into making this Diwali special for your mom, just like this video, it will be a priceless memory for years to come.
From the time I was small
Till one day I became tall
From the time I began understanding things
and I got my own wings
Your love has never fallen short
You have been my only support
I want to hold you tight and hug you
This is my way to just say thank you.
