Here are last-minute things you can do for Mother’…

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Saturday, May 11. Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend:

Some last-minute things moms can do for Mother’s Day — with or without the family

This year, I’m off the hook from participating in Mother’s Day. And the reason is simple: I live thousands of miles away from her (and the rest of my family).

For many, who have uprooted themselves from their families, celebratory days like Mother’s Day might just mean a phone call or text message. No gift bundles composed of flowers, cards and breakfast in bed.

This, however, also offers the opportunity to rethink what Mother’s Day means to us, but more importantly, to them. Is she obliged to spend time with her children, just because she’s their mother? What if she wants to take the day off from motherhood, especially when the remaining 364 days of the year are full of related responsibilities?

Or what if, instead of dedicating one day to motherhood, she prefers to celebrate it in the mundane moments: Munching on a last-minute breakfast together before heading out of the house or helping her children hand-wash their clothes because they fear they might mess up?

So I’ll propose an idea. Ask your mom how she wants to spend Mother’s Day. Maybe she’ll enjoy going to the Getty Center together and walk through Robert Irwin’s Central Garden. Or, she’ll want to treat herself at a spa, by herself.

Whatever she favors, we’ve got you covered. My colleague Lisa Boone compiled a list of the best Angeleno ways to celebrate Mother’s Day — together or not. And if your mother doesn’t live in L.A., go enjoy these things and send your…