New Traditions: Marie-Sara Savoie & Chef Craig J. Harding on Celebrating Mother’s Day Right
Though Mother’s Day is deeply engrained in Canada’s cultural narrative, it’s the kind of holiday that remains rather amorphous at best. Cards, flowers, and gifts are commonplace, but beyond that, there aren’t so many set Mother’s Day traditions, in contrast to things like Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day. The topic was raised in a casual conversation with Bar Prima chef Craig J. Harding a few weeks ago; as a new father himself, we got to talking about our respective connections to Mother’s Day and, in turn, how he and his wife Marie-Sara Savoie are embracing the holiday this year.
SHARP: As new parents, how does it feel to be celebrating Mother’s Day for the first time?
Harding: Well technically Marie is celebrating her second Mother’s Day but last year with a 4-months old at home it was truly survival mode. This year has a more celebratory tone.
Savoie: The first few months were admittedly very challenging for me. Craig wanted to do something really special so he booked us lunch at Edulis for a Michelin experience, but I struggled with postpartum anxiety and the idea of going out to celebrate was quite stressful for me. This year it feels like I can finally enjoy the day; I’ve settled into my new role as a Mom.
SHARP: How has life changed since becoming parents?
Harding: I mean, where do you begin!? I had such a routine for my life as a chef for 20-odd years and that has ben totally flipped upside down. I’m fortunate in that I have the ability to write my own schedule and that has allowed me to be at home a fair bit to enjoy this first year. I also seem to have found another gear because exhaustion has no place in the midst of a toddler running around the house.
Savoie: You can read all the books, you can take all of the classes, but nothing prepares you for parenthood. Your entire life as you knew it before kids is gone; in fact, you’re in a new relationship. You’re meeting your partner as a parent, just like you’re meeting yourself as a parent for the first time too. But you’re charting a new path with a little version of yourself and experiencing new feelings you never knew existed. I used to travel a lot for work and now I can’t imagine being away from him for too long. It’s completely changed my lookout on life, as cliche as that sounds but it’s really beautiful.
SHARP: As a new mother, what do you want out of the day? Is it more about time together, shared experience, relaxation, etc?
Savoie: I’m a very non-traditionalist. If I wasn’t so tired, I’m sure Craig would take me shopping because he knows that that’s what makes me happy. But now that I’m in the trenches with a young one, I can confidently say that it’s not about the actual gift, it’s about feeling supported and appreciated because motherhood is the hardest job in the world. Just enjoying a quiet house and taking care of the mental load for the day goes such a long way.
SHARP: What do you think of current conventions surrounding Mother’s Day gifts/gifting?
Harding: I honestly think we could never do enough to thank our mothers for the sacrifice and hard work, so give them all the flowers, take them out, thank them profusely, buy them something thoughtful, but most importantly make sure that all the moms in your life feel appreciated.
SHARP: With all of that in mind, what have you planned to commemorate the occasion this year?
Savoie: Sleep! [Laughs] Our son isn’t the best sleeper so I spend a lot time awake throughout the night — Craig was kind enough to book a hotel and spa for me to just unwind and rest. Craig and Rome will join me on Sunday for brunch!
Harding: It was really important to me to make sure I understood what would make her happiest, rather than assuming I know best.
SHARP: Do either of you remember any significant Mother’s Day moments with your parents? Things that were done for or given to your mothers that stood out as bringing them the most joy that day?
Harding: I’ve definitely always used my connections to get the best Mother’s Day brunch reservations! [Laughs] But really, despite there being a lot of special meals along the way, it wasn’t really about that. It was about carving out time to spend the day together.
Savoie: Well, 2023 was really special because we announced I was pregnant to all 3 moms! My mom lives in Montreal and Craig’s step-mom lives in Victoria, so we announced it to the two of them over FaceTime, but then we were able to take Craig’s mom out to brunch to tell her in person.
