Remember when as a kid, your only concern as Mother’s Day approached was whether your piggy bank was heavy enough? So how did the big celebration get so complicated? These days, there’s not just Mom to consider – there’s Mom-in-law, Grandmas on both sides, your birth mom, adoptive mom, stepmom, and, of course, that cherished godmother who has always treated you as her own. So this Mother’s Day, read up on how to commemorate all the special women in your life, including – how could you forget? – you.

1. Enjoy Being Mom from the Moment You Wake Up
Don’t waste your day trying to please everyone else at the expense of you, or you’ll miss out on the feeling of being celebrated by your own kids. So when breakfast in bed arrives with the sun, sit up, relax, and savour that tray of lovingly cooked rubbery eggs and burnt toast.

2. Start Calling a Month in Advance
Otherwise, you may end up with a scheduling conflict. Typically, it’s not the moms who make the plans; it’s their kids. So contact them early – starting with your sibs – and make sure they keep you in the loop. If you know each mom’s schedule, you’ll be more able to fit her into yours.

3. Consider Consolidating Plans
If you’re intent on seeing all your moms face-to-face, you may end up panting your way through Mother’s Day. Instead (assuming you can trust Mom, Mom-in-Law and Stepmom to behave), consider organizing a yearly women’s brunch – replete with roses and champagne. That way, you can toast all your mommy dearests together.

4. Take Stock
Think about last year, and remember how you felt at day’s end. Take stock of what worked, and what didn’t. If you just can’t wait to throw another big bash, starring every mom you know, start working on the invitations. Then again, if all you recall is falling into bed sobbing, perhaps this year, it’s your sister’s turn to host.

5. Be Creative with Gifts
What woman wouldn’t want the newest Coach purse? But with so many to buy, you’ll run out of cash faster than you can say Happy Mother’s Day. The fact is, you don’t have to break the bank to show her you care. Cuddly pink slippers – or a poem you wrote yourself – deliver the same I-Love-You message.

6. Squeeze in the Little Things
Take time for a walk or a phone conversation. You don’t necessarily have to run yourself ragged at the mall all week, or host a huge family dinner. A little intimacy between you and each mom you love – especially if you don’t see her often – may be more than enough of a tribute.

7. Prioritize
For most, the Mom who raised you tops the list. But not always. If you and Mom are on the outs, or she lives halfway across the globe, you may want to mark the day with e-mail, or by sending artwork designed by your kids. Then you’re free to think about the other moms you want to spend the day hugging.

8. Don’t Force It
It may simply be impossible to fit everyone into one short day. Don’t sweat it. Send chocolates – or a spa gift certificate – to show her you care, even if you can’t be with her.

9. Start a Weekend-Long Celebration
You may want to save Sunday exclusively for your Mom, you, and your kids. Still, no one says you can’t party with Grandma the day before. Reservations will surely be easier to come by, and the surprise on her face will be priceless.

10. Send Cards
At the very least, send cards. And make them personal. You may not be able to afford eleven different gifts, or to wine-and-dine each and every mom. But you can bet she’ll tear up when she opens her mail only to find that you remembered.