Nobody celebrates Mother's Day like Canadians do. We revere our mothers and pay tribute to them with unparalleled spirit. As one gets older, giving gifts like flowers and chocolate, though beloved by mothers all across the country, seem a tad inadequate. As we have and raise our own children, it is only then that we can fully appreciate the extent to which our mothers sacrificed and gave to us. So what to get one of the most important people in your life? Basically anything that allows mom some down time and relaxation is a gift worth giving. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas:

1) Get Your Gardening Groove On: If your mom is one who loves her garden, this idea is for you. Surprise mom with a little elbow grease and a visit to her back yard. Gardens are a breeding ground for weeds and other invasive species. To the gardener, this is war. Removing the pests can be a painstakingly long and arduous process. Your help in removing the invaders will be much appreciated and allow your mother to spend more time appreciating her garden rather than doing battle. Make sure you do some research and come prepared, especially if your thumb is any colour but green. Visit Mike Cullen's website for some tips and tools to get you going.

2) Pass on the Restaurant: Restaurants are too full on Mother's Day anyway. Instead, make mom lunch or dinner yourself. Not so confident in the kitchen? Allrecipes.com has everything you need to make mom's meal special. Besides, it's the effort and time with you that she will appreciate the most.

3) Involve the Grandkids: If you've been fortunate enough, or old enough, to have children yourself, here is a perfect time to use them...I mean involve them. Your mom probably cherishes every minute they spend with your little darlings. Set aside some time with your little one(s) and decide, together, on a craft that you'll make for grandma. Get some photos out, ones you don't mind cutting up, and make a collage together. You can also do this online at Staples if you are so technically inclined. Also, some candid black and white photos of grand children, nicely displayed in a black or grey photo frame will be something your mother will sure to love.

Whatever you decide to do for your mother this Mother's Day, make the effort to make it unique and special. She will love it and you may start to see the same things coming from your own little guys.

So the unofficial start to summer is just a few weeks away. Some call it the May Long Weekend, some May 24, and others the May Run. Whatever it's alias, Victoria Day is a welcome break for most, and our thoughts turn to cottages, the outdoors, and summer's arrival.

Queen Victoria's birthday, or the last Monday before May 24^th, has been celebrated since...well since before Canada was even called Canada. Prior to her death in 1901, residents, in what were the colonies that eventually made up Canada, gathered together to celebrate with picnics, games, and light displays to cheers their Queen. Today, our celebrations follow many of the same lines but without the pomp and circumstance of royal proclamations.

Officially, government buildings must fly the Union Jack on Victoria Day. Parades are held and none bigger than the Queen's city of Victoria, British Columbia. May 24, a common reference to the number of beers in a case, has evolved over time and hardly resembles the observances of our forefathers. But that doesn't make it any less special to modern day Canadians. So lather on the sunscreen and bug spray. Head outdoors and take in this beautiful country of ours. Enjoy this welcome break, with family and friends, celebrating in the ways that make us all unique. Don't drink and drive.