Mother’s Day History and Five Thoughtful Celebration Ideas. Share one of these customs with Mom this year to make her feel especially loved.
The main goal of Mother’s Day is to honor mothers and other maternal figures worldwide, whether it is by giving them a thoughtful gift, a day in the garden, or breakfast in bed. But this wasn’t always how we treated Mom. There are many remarkable women throughout the holiday’s intriguing history who are worth learning about and discussing at a leisurely and well-earned Mother’s Day brunch.
Mother’s Day’s History
Although it’s appropriate that a strong woman remembering her mother created the holiday, you might be surprised to learn that the original Mother’s Day event was really a mourning service.
In the late 1800s, Ann Jarvis worked as a nurse during the Civil War and as a peace campaigner. Throughout her life, she organized what she termed “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” in her native West Virginia, bringing together moms from the community to provide seminars on raising healthy kids. Inspired by feminist poet Julia Ward Howe, who released the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in 1870, Ann envisioned a day when everyone would provide a helping hand to moms who were having difficulties in their communities.
After Ann passed away in 1905, Anna Jarvis, Ann’s daughter, wanted to honor her mother’s memory with a meaningful gesture. 500 white carnations, Anna’s mother’s favorite flower, were sent to the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908, the day of Ann’s birth. In addition, Anna hosted a memorial service in her home city of Philadelphia. Despite the fact that Mother’s Day wouldn’t become a national holiday for another six years, this is still recognized as the inaugural commemoration.
A nationwide effort to honor mothers worldwide began with Anna’s memorial for her mother. As her idea grew in acceptance, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914.
It’s important to remember that, in her latter years, Anna spearheaded the effort to have Mother’s Day taken out of the national calendar, citing its excessive commercialization. She observed that greeting card businesses and shop chains were utilizing the day to promote their products, instead of it being a day of service for moms. However, the celebration endured, and over a century later, we still look forward to honoring Mom in May.
Is Mother’s Day Coming Up?
Mother’s Day is usually observed on the second Sunday in May in the United States. It falls on Sunday, May 12, 2024, this year.
Methods for Enjoying Mother’s Day
While there’s no wrong way to show mom how much you care, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite celebrations in case you need inspiration.
1. Lend a Helping Hand
To honor Ann Jarvis’ original vision, look for ways you can help out a busy mom in your life. Whether dropping off a meal for a hardworking mom or offering to help shuttle kids to and from school or sports practice, your mom friends will surely appreciate the extra support. If you’re not sure how to help, that’s okay too! Send a simple note with an open offer for anything she needs.
2. Mail a Greeting Card
Whether you’re spending the day together or thousands of miles away, Mom would appreciate a kind card on her birthday. You may print and download our 25 free printable Mother’s Day cards at home. If you need ideas for what to write inside, you can refer to these Mother’s Day quotations.
3. Establish a New Custom
Whatever you choose to do, as long as you honor your mother, is fine. This year, think of creating a new custom and arrange a fun day for the whole family. You two will look forward to it every year, whether you plan a pre-summer pedicure, help her arrange the kitchen, or have a family game night.
4. Give Her a Surprise Gift
Give your mother a unique present that feels like it was crafted particularly for her on Mother’s Day to surprise her. Invest in a self-care kit for the mom who deserves a day at the spa (or get her a gift card to her preferred nearby spa), prepare a spread of delectable cheese and chocolate pairings, or make her a homemade, sentimental gift she will always treasure.
5. Have a Meal Together
We all love a good Mother’s Day breakfast, but waffles and pancakes aren’t the only options. Alternatively, treat mom to her favorite local restaurant or spend the day cooking together (if you can’t celebrate in person, you can even schedule a virtual cooking date).