Mother’s Day is a holiday where we get to honor the most important woman in our lives – dear old mom! I was out today shopping in the Kierland Commons for something special for her, and at the same time musing how Anna Jarvis, the creator of the holiday would be disapproving of me for it.
Anna Reeves Jarvis created the holiday in the years following her own mother’s death, and started the tradition of giving carnations. Pink or red carnations are for living mothers, or white for those who have passed away. In 1914 after a fierce letter writing campaign, President Wilson signed the second Sunday in May into law as a national holiday called Mother’s Day. In the years that followed, flower companies and greeting card companies got into the act, and the holiday started to become commercialized. Anna was appalled at this saying that greeting cards were a poor excuse for letters that should be hand written. She spent the rest of her life trying to abolish the holiday, but of course, was unsuccessful.
Today, mothers the world over enjoy greeting cards, carnations, and other forms of affection from their children, husbands, and fathers of their children. So if you’re in Scottsdale wondering what you can do for mom this year, we’re here to help with some ideas. Instead of just shopping for her this year, why not take her shopping? With the Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and the Scottsdale Quarter open all day, we’re sure mom would love a tasty lunch followed by some retail therapy. If your mom loves to be pampered, there is no shortage of spas here. Get her hair looking fabulous at Primp & Blow, her body tanned at Bronzmopolitan, and her mind set at ease with a massage at Aura Salon & Day Spa.
One of the most popular traditions is to take mom out to eat. With some of the best places to dine here in Scottsdale, mom can have just about any type of cuisine she wants. Try a great brunch with a view at any of Scottsdale’s luxurious resorts- most notably, The Hermosa Inn, The Fairmont Princess, or The Phoenician. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is serving a special Mother’s Day brunch with delicious offerings of entrees like Filet Steak Benedict, Braised Short Rib Hash and Vanilla Bean French Toast along with desserts and special cocktails from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. McCormick Ranch Golf Club is serving mimosas along with a carving station if your mom is partial to golf. If golf is her game, be sure to get a discount when booking a tee time for her on our site! If your mom is a creative art lover, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will delight her senses with a multi colored adventure she can take the kids to called Odyssey Family Day.
So remember the second Sunday in May, and give a little back to the woman who gave you life. Mom was always there for you to kiss a boo-boo, make a home cooked meal, or mend your sweater. Be there for her, and let her be queen of Scottsdale for a day!