FAMILY blog
Not Another Hallmark Holiday
F ull disclosure: I’m not a big fan of what I call the “Hallmark
holidays.” Day and Father’s Day were never big parts of our lives. I grew up
watching my mom and dad show every day how much they loved
You know what I mean—those “holidays” scattered throughout
the year that seem designed only to make money for greeting card
companies, ﬂ orists and restaurants.

(Free advice to fellow members of the male species: If you share
my opinion, don’t let your wife know—especially just before
Valentine’s Day!)
I love the “big” holidays that happen from November to January.

They are opportunities for family gatherings, traditions and a
much-needed break from day-to-day stresses.

each other. My dad passed away more than 20 years ago, but I
will never forget him bringing my mom a cup of tea in bed every
morning, not just on special occasions. And I learned to respect
and appreciate all they did for my brother and me every day of the
year. All that said, in today’s hectic times, it’s appropriate to pause
and remember the special people and special relationships in our
lives. Here at Washington FAMILY, we do that more globally, by
honoring our “Moms of the Year,” in the pages that follow.

This is the second year of this feature; the honorees were
What I call the “patriotic” holidays—Memorial Day, July Fourth,
nominated and voted on by you, our readers. And their stories are
forged. They’re ideal times for memorial concerts and festivals,
unto itself), but they also have successful careers, run nonproﬁ ts
Labor Day—are great rememberances as to how our country was
truly impressive. Not only are they moms (truly an amazing job
parades and time spent outside.

and are active in their communities. Just reading about these
Then there are the holidays that seem designed just so government
women and all of their endeavors exhausts me.

employees and banks can have a three-day weekend, with
It’s a cliché to say that every day should be Mother’s Day, but it’s
these holidays because there are no expectations.

for her child. There’s nothing as strong as a mother’s bond with
Columbus Day being a prime example. I have no problem with
But holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are scary.

true. There’s nothing as beautiful as a mother’s unconditional love
her baby.

Expectations are high, especially if you’re a guy. Flowers, dinner,
And because about 98 percent of our readers are mothers
restaurants are packed. The roses usually don’t last long, and
I see our “Moms of the Year” as a way for us to say “thank you”
restaurant with a bunch of screaming, squirmy kids. If I were a
your dedication. And thank you for your devotion. (Oh, and thank
jewelry, cards, candy…Prices skyrocket at the local ﬂ orist, and
themselves, if we could honor all of you in this edition, we would.

I’ve never seen the point of taking mom to brunch at a crowded
for all that you do. Thank you for your tirelessness. Thank you for
mom, that’s the exact opposite of what I’d want to do on Mother’s
you for reading our magazine!)
Day. Now, isn’t that much nicer than a Hallmark card?
Perhaps my cynicism is inherited: My parents grew up in wartime
England, when food and gasoline were rationed, and many
evenings were spent huddled in underground bomb shelters.

They moved to this country when I was a toddler and struggled to
understand some of our customs and holidays.

My dad was particularly perplexed by Halloween. He was never
going to let his son go door to door “begging for candy.” Luckily
(for me), my mother’s insistence on adapting to the culture of their
new country prevailed.

But the non-traditional holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s
6 May 2017
washingtonFAMILY.com Bruce Potter
Chief Operating Oﬃ cer
Northern Virginia Media Services
publisher@thefamilymagazine.com