If you couldn’t tell from the saccharine TV adverts and floral window displays on the high street, last Sunday was Mothering Sunday – the day in every mum’s calendar that should guarantee a lie-in and a cuppa in bed.

Mother’s Day was traditionally used as a day when children in domestic service were able to return home to see their mother. It also has deeper roots with references being found as far back as the Greek cult to Cybele (6000 BCE) and the Roman festival of Hilaria. This has translated to today when show our appreciation of good old mum by lavishing gifts of flowers and sweet foods.

When I was a child, a homemade card, a bunch of daffodils and a helping hand was all that Mum needed as a thank you for her year-round hard work. Now the day has, like many holidays, become heavily commercialised.

When did loving mum become a competition as to who spends the most? Instead of letting her know how much she means to us by giving her a well-earned rest, we deposit a luxurious present and put our own feet up, satisfied that our duty is complete for another year.

Last year the average mum was treated and pampered for 90 minutes before the family tired of the effort, according to a survey commissioned by the Cooperative Food Company. Two thirds of those surveyed felt that last year’s was a day like any other day, and found they still had to do all the chores. Some 52% said they would also like to see their partners to show as much enthusiasm as the children.

I spent my day with my daughter and mother. I didn’t get the lie-in or the cuppa. However I did receive not one but two ‘diplomas’ for being the World’s Best Mum, copious drawings and paintings – and was proudly presented with a hand-made clay tea-light holder. They were the simplest of things created with love and thoughtfulness, and will be forever cherished.

Rebecca Kearley returns as Supermum in a fortnight