When Is Mother’s Day? Meaning, History, and Ways to Truly Celebrate
Discover meaningful rituals rooted in lasting bonds and heartfelt appreciation.
When Is Mother’s Day?
Each year, people in the United States honor the mothers, mother figures, and caregivers in their lives by celebrating Mother’s Day, a tradition marked by heartfelt gestures, family gatherings, and acts of appreciation. But when exactly does it fall this year? And how did this special day become such an important cultural event both in America and around the globe?
Mother’s Day 2025 Date
In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. In 2025, this beloved holiday will arrive on:
- Sunday, May 11, 2025
This date varies from year to year but always lands on the second Sunday in May, making it easy to remember and plan for in advance.
| Year | Date of Mother’s Day (U.S.) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | May 14 |
| 2024 | May 12 |
| 2025 | May 11 |
| 2026 | May 10 |
The Origins and Meaning of Mother’s Day
While Mother’s Day feels timeless, its establishment as an official holiday in the United States is actually a relatively recent history rooted in activism, tradition, and one woman’s determined vision. The holiday’s origins reveal how deeply people value the nurturing, generosity, and sacrifices made by mothers throughout history.
The Early Roots: 19th Century Movements
Several 19th-century figures contributed to the idea of honoring mothers. Among the most notable were:
- Ann Reeves Jarvis: Before the Civil War, she organized “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” in West Virginia to teach women about child care, hygiene, and provide community support. Later, she started “Mothers’ Friendship Day” gatherings, bringing together families affected by the war to promote reconciliation.
- Julia Ward Howe: An accomplished suffragette and abolitionist, Howe was inspired by the ravages of war to write the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in 1870, urging women to unite for world peace. She championed a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated each June, though this idea didn’t gain long-term national traction.
The Woman Who Made Mother’s Day Official
The widely acknowledged founder of the modern Mother’s Day is Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Moved by a prayer she once overheard her mother say—expressing hope for a day honoring mothers’ selfless work—Anna devoted herself after her mother’s passing in 1905 to making this wish come true. She rallied public support, wrote countless letters to politicians and influential figures, and in 1908 organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia.
Anna’s tireless advocacy paid off in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing the second Sunday in May as the official, national Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Around the World
While the U.S. marks Mother’s Day in May, countries worldwide celebrate mothers at varying times and with diverse customs:
- United Kingdom: “Mothering Sunday,” held on the fourth Sunday during Lent (often in March).
- Mexico: Celebrates “Día de las Madres” on May 10th every year, no matter the day of the week.
- France: “Fête des Mères” is celebrated in late May or early June, depending on the calendar.
- Ethiopia: Observes Antrosht, a multi-day celebration marking the end of the rainy season, including hearty feasts and singing.
Why Do We Celebrate Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is much more than just a date on a calendar. It’s a dedicated occasion to:
- Show gratitude for the endless love, guidance, and strength that mothers provide.
- Express affection and appreciation, often through cards, gifts, flowers, meals, or simple acts of kindness.
- Honor the memory of mothers and caregivers who have passed away or are far from home.
- Celebrate all types of mother figures, including grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, guardians, and mentors.
What others are reading
At its core, the holiday is about recognizing the invaluable impact of caregiving and the bonds that nurture us across a lifetime.
Fun and Meaningful Mother’s Day Traditions
Mother’s Day celebrations range from grand gestures and family gatherings to quiet time and thoughtful notes, reflecting the richness and diversity of families’ backgrounds and traditions. Here are some beloved Mother’s Day customs and activities:
1. Breakfast in Bed
One of the most iconic—and cherished—Mother’s Day rituals is serving breakfast in bed. From homemade pancakes and scrambled eggs to yogurt parfaits dressed up by little hands, this simple gesture never fails to warm hearts and set the tone for a joyful day (Ree Drummond recalls her kids’ lovingly imperfect creations as her favorite gift).
2. Gift Giving
- DIY Gifts: Handmade cards, portraits, or crafts from children.
- Gift Cards and Vouchers: Thoughtful “coupons” for chores, spa time, or favorite activities, presented by kids and family (from “manicure” cards to “washing the car”).
- Fresh Flowers: A timeless tradition—bouquets of lilies, tulips, or her favorite blooms.
- Personalized Presents: From photo books to custom jewelry, meaningful gifts go a long way.
3. Special Meals and Family Gatherings
- Brunch or Dinner at Home: Gather the family for a homemade feast, with everyone pitching in.
- Recreating Family Recipes: Honor the different generations by preparing Mom’s favorite dishes or long-treasured family recipes, sometimes passed down from grandmothers and great-grandmothers.
4. Outdoor Activities and Family Time
- Picnics in the Park
- Nature Walks or Garden Tours
- Home Movie Marathons featuring family videos and photos
- Crafting and Cooking Together
Creative Mother’s Day Activities and Experiences
Though brunch and flowers are classic, families often look for unique and memorable ways to mark the occasion. Here are some ideas to inspire you this year:
- Create a Family Cookbook
Gather favorite recipes from Mom, Grandma, and other relatives, along with photos and sweet stories. Compile them into a keepsake cookbook that reflects your family’s culinary history and love. - Share a New Hobby
Take a creative class together, like ceramic painting, gardening, or baking. Learning side-by-side can spark new memories and deepen your bond. - Trace Your Roots
Build your family tree. Researching ancestry, sharing photographs, and swapping stories become both meaningful and fun. - Book Some Relaxation
Treat Mom to a spa massage, facial, or simply a restful day free from chores and responsibilities. Pampering is always appreciated!
Food: Delicious Recipes and Mother’s Day Menu Ideas
Nothing says “I appreciate you” like a lovingly prepared meal, and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to pull out all the stops in the kitchen. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a festive brunch, or homemade desserts, the day is filled with mouthwatering opportunities.
Ree Drummond’s Favorite Family Recipes
Food blogger and TV personality Ree Drummond (“The Pioneer Woman”) shares that her most treasured Mother’s Day gifts have always been her children’s home-cooked breakfasts, no matter how simple or messy. Over the years, she’s compiled a list of favorite recipes perfect for celebrating the day, many of them passed down from the moms and grandmas in her own family:
- Cinnamon Rolls (from Ree’s mom Gerre)
- Scones and Parfaits
- Tomato Tart (from her sister Betsy)
- Chicken and Noodles (from her grandmother Ga-Ga)
- Eggs Benedict (Gerre’s special method)
- Edna Mae’s Pancakes
- Fruit Pizza (from her sister-in-law Missy – fun for kids to decorate!)
Selecting a family recipe brings the generations together and infuses the meal with love and nostalgia. Don’t worry about perfection—Ree emphasizes the importance of fun, creativity, and relaxed togetherness over a spotless kitchen or picture-perfect presentation.
Tips for Meaningful and Stress-Free Celebrations
Making Mother’s Day special doesn’t require elaborate plans or expensive gifts. Here are some key tips from experts and mothers themselves for a stress-free, memorable day:
- Focus on Fun over Perfection: Relax and enjoy the moment—even if the house isn’t spotless, guests are late, or the eggs are runny.
- Little Touches Make Big Memories: A simple table set with cloth napkins, handwritten notes, or homemade decorations can transform a meal into a celebration.
- Involve the Whole Family: Kids can help cook, set the table, or make cards. Everyone gets to contribute.
- Embrace Traditions—and Make New Ones: Whether you stick to family recipes or invent new rituals, what matters is spending meaningful time together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mother’s Day
1. Is Mother’s Day always the second Sunday in May?
In the U.S., yes—Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May every year. It can be celebrated on different dates in other countries.
2. Who started Mother’s Day?
Modern Mother’s Day in the U.S. was founded by Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for an official holiday to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, and mothers everywhere.
3. What are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts?
Flowers, breakfast in bed, personalized gifts, handwritten notes, and homemade crafts are among the most treasured (and frequently given) gifts.
4. How do different countries celebrate Mother’s Day?
While flowers, cards, and family meals are common, the date and customs vary by country—some observe the holiday in March, May, or even June, and incorporate unique cultural traditions.
5. What can I do if I can’t be with my mom on Mother’s Day?
Video calls, mailed gifts or cards, online orders of flowers or brunch, and heartfelt letters are thoughtful options for connecting from afar.
Inspiring Ideas to Make This Mother’s Day Unforgettable
- Start a new tradition: interview Mom about her life, or record her favorite stories on video.
- Plan a virtual brunch or tea party if separated by distance.
- Gift a ‘Day Off’—handle chores or errands so she gets time to herself.
- Create a “Why We Love You” jar with notes from every family member.
- Plant a flower or tree together to commemorate the day.
Mother’s Day: A Lasting Celebration of Love and Gratitude
From its origins in activism and heartfelt community gatherings to the modern joys of shared meals, homemade presents, and quiet reflection, Mother’s Day remains a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds between generations. However your family chooses to mark the occasion, the most memorable moments will always be those spent together, filled with love and appreciation for the mothers and caretakers who give so endlessly all year round.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a43555198/mothers-day-history/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g35634363/mothers-day-activities/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64691898/ree-drummond-favorite-mothers-day-recipes/
- https://www.aol.com/pioneer-womans-top-10-favorite-190300922.html
- https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/ree-drummond-mothers-day-collection-121100701
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