Mothers do just about everything for their families. They nourish both the body and soul. They bring purpose and add meaning to our lives. They willingly, and without regret, share their days and nights without celebration, without adulation … and without compensation.
Each mother is a singular, unique source of inspiration to their loved ones and through the years have represented an incredible variety of television family dynamics. If, through the “magic of television,” we could adorn on Mother’s Day our favorite fictional matriarchs with the bounty of our love and affection, what would we give them?
From “I Remember Moma,” to “That’s My Moma” and “Moma’s Family” and progressing to the present incarnations of Moma June and Kris Kardashian, America has had a near 70-year love affair with mothers of the small screen. Here is a rather eclectic list of famous television moms who might be dazzled by modern Mother’s Day offerings, many of which have been suggested by “Gayot’s 2015 Guide for Gifts.”
The fabulous ’50s
Harriet Nelson (“The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”). Her family consisted of two sons … and a husband no one ever saw leave for work. The famous musical family would do well in presenting Harriet with tickets to hear Symphonic Band, scheduled at 9 p.m. tomorrow at the Antelope Valley College in the Performing Arts Theatre, 3041 W. Avenue K in Lancaster. Nelson most likely would adore the live presentations of Disney’s “Fantasia” and “Fantasia 2000.” Details: (661) 722-6580.
Margaret Anderson (“Father Knows Best”). “Margaret, I’m home” was usually followed by: “In the kitchen, Jim.” The first thought would be cookware. But not so fast. Anderson was setting the proper example for her debutante daughter, Betty. Therefore, an appropriate gift for her might be a fashion tote bag. It is big enough for daytime trips to the corner market, yet dressy enough for nighttime casual dinners. Fashion tote bags from higher-end department stores run anywhere from $65 to $225.
Donna Stone (“The Donna Reed Show”). The wife of a busy professional and mom of two teenagers, Stone could be considered an early community activist who lent her time to various worthy causes around town. Therefore, she had to look even more perfect beyond sporting her ubiquitous string of pearls. Whal Delicate Definition’s ($29) set of personal grooming tools would be excellent for Stone, because when you’re the wife of a handsome physician, you’re expected to look the part.
June Cleaver (“Leave It to Beaver”). This woman spent lots of time in the kitchen. And because she and the previous three women were moms of the “typical” 1950’s household, cookware would be a good choice. An important note: this is 2015—not 1955—and it is not smart to buy your mom any household appliance unless she really needs it or asks for it, because contemporary women may take the gift as sign that all she does is cook, clean and take care of the house. A nice set of cookware—even if she doesn’t exactly need it—looks good in a modern kitchen and when mom needs a certain-sized pot or pan, she need only reach for it. A 12-piece set of hard-anodized cookware will cost between $160 and $220. (12-piece set of 18/10 stainless steel: $199 to $300).
The groovy ’60s
Morticia Addams (“The Addams Family”). An eccentric mother of two, Addams might be the most difficult TV mom to please. With a wealthy, ravenous husband and an extended family, she would probably enjoy some quiet time and rejoice in a set of exotic beverages such as flavored coffees and teas ($45-$75). Flowers would not be a good choice for Morticia Addams because she’d likely clip the blossoms and keep the stems.
Maureen Robinson (“Lost In Space”). A well traveled woman, Robinson could probably use the new Apple IWatch 6 (starting at $350). It is a practical gift for the woman who knows all about fancy electronics, computers and robots, and the gadget includes a compass to better assist the Robinson clan in maintaining their inter-galactic bearings.
Julia Baker (“Julia”). Arguably television’s original single working mother, Baker was a registered nurse who doted lovingly on her only son while trying to balance a social life. To that end, a nice silk scarf ($89-$119) would be an excellent fashion complement.
Carol Brady (“The Brady Bunch”). A mother of many, Brady was an active woman who could help outfit a dollhouse in the morning and later in the day referee a game of hoops. What better way say “I love you, mom” than tickets for the Antelope Valley Ballet’s presentation of “Romeo and Juliet” scheduled tomorrow at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. Details: (661) 723-5950.
The sexy ’70s
Shirley Partridge (“The Partridge Family”). Another [single] head of a large musical family. Besides being constantly in need of guitar strings, drum heads, tambourines and assorted equipment, Partridge still had to make school lunches, check homework and do all of the things required of the average mom. What quiet time she did have between gigs was probably spent dozing off in the solitude of her bedroom. Bedding and comforters would be a good choice for her and range anywhere from $95 to $220.
Marion “Mrs. C” Cunningham (“Happy Days”). We’re back in the ’50s again, but this time in color. A mom of three, “Mrs. C” was a good-natured parent who tolerated “ducktails,” “penny loafers” and Rock ’N Roll music while maintaining class and composure during the heyday of Little Richard, Gorgeous George and Sputnik. Thank a “cool” mom like this with the ever-popular box of assorted chocolates. A two-pound box will cost about $35.
Olivia Walton (“The Waltons”). Walton may have had one of the biggest families in television history. Times were tough during the Great Depression, which is when the show is set, and each of the Walton clan had to do their part to ease the burden on mom. Walton never demanded more from her kids than they were capable of giving. Money was tight, but love was plentiful. Therefore, a lovely bouquet of red roses (ranging from $45 to $60) would be an excellent gift. And the Waltons would probably have these growing out back, anyway. “Goodnight John Boy. Goodnight Jim Bob. Goodnight Mary Ellen …”
Florida Evans (“Good Times”). Like the Waltons, money was scarce in the Evans’ household, but love was abundant. Evans helped to rear three children in a tough environment, took on occasional odd jobs to “keep your head above water” and rarely complained about lack of heat, no air conditioning and broken elevators. She was a “dyn-o-mite” mom with a great sense of humor and a warm, loving embrace. Moms like her deserve an afternoon at the spa … the works from head to toe. Expect to spend anywhere from $195 to $400.
The great ’80s.
Rosanne Connor (“Rosanne”). Always quick with a joke and noted for her sharp tongue, Rosanne helped navigate her way through the ’80s with wit and determination. As a mom to a teen, a tween and a toddler, Rosanne couldn’t be a “stay-at-home-mom” because of financial constraints. She was about as opposite to a “50s wife” as possible—she cooked and cleaned when she felt like it. And because she deserved as much love and appreciation as any mother would want, a nice piece of jewelry such as a ring, necklace or bracelet would be an excellent choice. About $200 to $500 for a moderate-priced piece of jewelry.
Claire Huxtable (“The Cosby Show”). A working professional, who was just as demanding with her brood at home as she was in the courtroom. She had three teenagers to keep in line, and a little girl who hung on her every word. What quiet time she could get was usually interrupted by one of the children, who needed either marital advice, a quick advance on an allowance, or comforting when faced with a sudden crash that might have signaled her favorite vase had been broken to pieces. As a music lover, Huxtable might enjoy an evening of “Smooth Jazz” tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Lancaster City Park, 43063 10th Street West. Details: (661) 726-1911.
Marge Simpson (“The Simpsons”). Obviously, the first thought would be a large hair dryer. She has three little children whose shenanigans each week are enough to drive her crazy. Her bumbling but good-hearted husband is not much better. Simpson is a modern homemaker somewhere between Wilma Flintstone and Jane Jetson and will embark on almost any challenge in order to care for her loved ones. And when she and Homer finally have some time alone outside of the house, she may prefer to step out sporting a fine cologne or perfume. Like jewelry, these items vary greatly in price and quality, but a nice selection can range anywhere from $70 to $110.
Peggy Bundy (“Married With Children”). Another mom with a penchant for big hair, Bundy seems to forever long for a true “knight in shining armor,” but Al Bundy will have to do. In rearing two teenagers, Peggy is yet another “stay-at-home-mom” and relies on her wit and guile to convince her often chauvinistic husband who really runs the house. And she maintains a rather bohemian lifestyle often suited to soft, gentle scents and fragrant aromas. A set of scented candles maybe the perfect compliment for her and can be purchased from $12 to $60.
Honorable mention
Practically all of the aforementioned gift suggestions may be purchased at the Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd., or at most local gift shops or department stores. A few more television moms—who couldn’t make the original list—are equally worthy of a special gift on Mother’s Day:
—Samantha Stephens (“Bewitched”). You probably can’t buy what she couldn’t “twitch” up herself.
—Victoria Barkley (“The Big Valley”). Whatever a wealthy land baroness would want.
—Caroline Ingalls (“Little House on the Prairie”). A volunteer to pitch-in and help work the land.
—Kate Bradley (“Petticoat Junction”). Again, a volunteer for work because Uncle Joe was “… kind’a slow.”
—Ellie Ewing (“Dallas”). Help to referee fights between her rich, spoiled offspring.
—Elyse Keaton (“Family Ties”). A box set of Bob Dylan or Grateful Dead recordings.
— Jill Taylor (“Home Improvement”). Someone to help her fix her husband’s latest “brainstorm.”
—Lucy Ricardo/Carmichael/Carter. (“I Love Lucy,” “The Lucy Show” “Here’s Lucy”). Mother’s Day isn’t big enough … She deserves her own holiday.
