“To me, Mother’s Day is a day when I’m spoiled by my children with breakfast in bed, gifts and family gatherings,” said stay-at-home-mother Hanan Mohammed.

Some Saudis celebrate Mother’s Day with cakes and simple family gatherings, while others buy their mothers gifts. “My children don’t buy me anything, but they always bake a cake and we spend the day watching TV and playing games. We finally take a family photograph to make the day one to remember,” said Nadia Siraj, a stay-at-home-mother.

“I couldn’t ask for more. Family time is exactly what I want,” she added.

Different mothers have differing views of Mother’s Day. Some find it a perfect opportunity to walk down memory lane while others find it an opportunity to connect with those close to them. “Chocolate and flowers are clichés, I would like a gift that is tailored for me like a day at a spa or a physical check up because mothers neglect themselves and care more about their children’s health, and gifts such as these show that our children care about our health and physical well being. It is a nice gesture,” said working mother Intesar Bakr.

“This shows that they want me to stay healthy as long as possible,” she added.

“I really don’t want anything for this day or any another day. I just want my kids to be safe, healthy and happy,” said Aysha Mohammed.

Girls are more interested in Mother’s Day than boys and make more effort to show their love and care. “My girls always remember Mother’s Day rather than my boys. I think it’s because girls are more sensitive. We celebrate this day every year by going out for a meal together and they buy me flowers. I love how they remember me,” said schoolteacher Fawzia Galal.

Husbands also celebrate Mother’s Day to thank their wives for giving them families.

“Mother’s Day celebrates motherhood. I celebrate it with my wife to thank her for gifting me with lovely children and to show my thanks for raising them,” said businessman Tariq Al-Amri.

Other Saudis do not recognize, care or make plans for the day. “I really don’t celebrate Mother’s Day because I think every day is Mother’s Day. I don’t need a specific day to tell my mother I love her,” said businessman Abu Omar.

“As a Muslim, I do not observe birthdays, Mother’s Day or any other such days apart from the two Eids. I love my mother and tell her this everyday. There’s no need for a specific day to show her how much I love her,” said college student Mohammed Ali.