Mother's Secret Wish List 

Each mother's secret wish list is unique, but there are a number of gifts that any mom would love to have. Following is a list of gifts compiled by one mother to share with you.

Togetherness.  The secret wish in every mother's heart is for her family members to get along. She wants her children to be friends. She wants to know that hers is a loving family. How you give your mom that gift is up to you.

Some families set aside 1 day near Christmas for family and extended family to celebrate Christmas together. For example, the last Saturday before Christmas (unless that falls on Christmas Eve) can be booked every year. It's a day to bring siblings, cousins, in-laws and out-laws together for 1 happy night of fun and holiday sharing. This tradition helps avoid conflict with the "other sides" of families who also want to share family time at the holidays, and it lets kids celebrate Christmas Day with their families of origin in their own homes.

Family Portrait. This gift has special meaning for the many Moms whose children and grandchildren are scattered around the world. One mother's secret wish is for all her grandchildren to be photographed together. This takes some advance planning, but it can be fun, a mini-reunion in the spirit of the holidays, and would provide lasting memories. 

Handmade Gifts. "It's the thought that counts" is an old cliche, but it's true nonetheless. Some of a mother's most treasured possessions are the ones that were made for her by hand. She'll always cherish a poem, a construction-paper turkey, or a picture of her house painted by a child or grandchild. Whether artistically inclined or not, children both young and old can find many personal and decorative items that can be made from craft store supplies. A hand-made gift makes giving more about love than about money.

Flowers. Flowers are an indulgence that most mothers rarely buy for themselves. 1 single red rose at her place at the table can be a delightful surprise and a way of saying "You're special." A bouquet of fresh flowers on the mantle is uplifting at the end of a long day. Flowers don't need to be expensive. Sometimes a fistful of wild flowers picked in a nearby field can strike just the right note.

Personalized Gifts. For lots of moms the hardest thing to do is buy something just for herself. Nothing says "just for you" like your mom's name or initials on the gift. You can have purses, coin purses, towels, sheets and briefcases personalized with your Mom's initials. How about a frame engraved with "I Love Mom", or a special refrigerator magnet that can be personalized by a vendor at a local mall?

A "Maid For A Day."  How wonderful would it be for your mom to leave for the day and come home to find her house sparkling clean from top to bottom?  One mom's secret wish is for the "maid fairy" to visit her house and do the little jobs that she can't seem to find time for. Cleaning baseboards, cleaning the fridge, dusting and waxing furniture. Imagine your mom coming home to find all of her treasured knick-knacks cleaned and shining. That would be heaven to many a mom.

A Spa Gift Certificate. Depending on one's budget, this gift can include a facial, massage, pedicure, manicure and even a haircut. It's a rare treat for any mom to be pampered in an environment of candlelight, soft music, and all the attention devoted to her. For that Mom who goes to every sports and school event, and plays chauffer to her children at all hours of the day and night, this is a wonderful way to relax.

A "Pamper Me" Gift Basket. If your budget can't cover a day spa visit, do the next best thing. Your gift can be a basket loaded with necessary items for Mom to pamper herself. Bubble bath, soothing lotion, candles, and potpourri. Arrange to give her an hour or so to relax in the tub with the door locked and not a thing to worry about.

Love Coupons. An ingenious gift that can be made on any home computer, or handmade by any member of the family, "love coupons" are the Christmas gift that "keep on giving." The coupons are redeemable for priceless gifts such as: a back and neck massage, "I will do the dishes coupon," "We're going out to dinner," or even "A shopping spree by you for you."

Some of the best little items would include a hug when she needs an extra one, a kiss when she's feeling sad, and an extra long distance phone call to a loved one who is far away. You'll have fun creating this gift especially for your Mom, because there are tons of possibilities for these Love Coupon Books.

Real Appreciation. This precious gift of appreciation may be the single most important item on the list for many moms. Some of the things mothers do for their families are somewhat invisible -- behind-the-scenes efforts that largely go unnoticed. Of course, the things mothers do for their families are done out of love. Still, we all need to know that our efforts are noticed and appreciated. Show your appreciation by giving your Mom an extra hug and a thank you for that special meal she cooks for you, for taking you to your ballgame, and those personal treats she gave up so you could have what you wanted.

Each mother's "Secret Wishes" are unique to her. You know your own Mom best. A little time spent in contemplation will probably reveal your mom's secret wish.