If I Could Give Time In A Bottle

Most moms get flowers, chocolate or dinner out for Mother’s Day, but is that what they truly want? According to a poll of 2,000 moms conducted last year by OnePoll, what they really crave is more time. Specifically, 58% of moms want to just drop everything and do nothing for Mother’s Day.

Forty-two percent want to read, 44% want to watch TV, 30% want to spend time on a hobby and 10% just want time alone in the bathroom without interruption.

The poll was commissioned by Moonpig, a UK-based online gift website, and the Lego Group, so it’s not surprising that when asked how they would like to spend time with little ones, 17% of moms said building Lego sets.

Although time costs little to nothing, we still spend a lot on Mother’s Day. Last year consumers forked over a record $35.7 billion for Mother’s Day-related purchases, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation.

Anna Jarvis, whose mother organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day on May 12, 1907. It’s celebrated every second Sunday in May, but not everywhere in the world. Other countries including Argentina, Panama and Indonesia celebrate it in December.

In India, mothers get a whole 10-day festival known as Durga Puja, which pays homage to the Hindu goddess associated with motherhood. The celebration is believed to date back to the 16th century and is considered a religious ceremony as well as a time for family reunions.