Celebrating Mother's Day in the United States
Mother's Day is a cherished occasion dedicated to honoring mothers and motherhood, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May in the United States. This special day falls between May 8th and May 14th each year.
History and Origins
The modern American celebration of Mother's Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908. She conceived it as a way to honor her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, a social activist who had passed away three years earlier. The first Mother's Day service was held at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where her mother had taught Sunday school. Learn more about Anna Jarvis's life on Biography.com or Women's History.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially established Mother's Day as a national holiday, designating the second Sunday in May for its observance.
Upcoming Dates
To help you plan ahead, here are the dates for Mother's Day:
- 2024: May 12
- 2025: May 11
- 2026: May 10
Modern Celebrations and Traditions
Americans celebrate Mother's Day in various ways, including:
- Sending greeting cards
- Giving flowers (particularly carnations)
- Taking mom out for brunch or dinner
- Purchasing thoughtful gifts
- Making handmade presents
- Creating photo albums or scrapbooks
- Spending quality time together
Economic Impact
Mother's Day has become one of the most commercially successful U.S. occasions:
- Americans spend approximately $25 billion annually
- Around 122 million phone calls are made on this day
- It's the busiest day of the year for restaurants
- Flower sales typically increase by 40% during the holiday
"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." - Jewish Proverb
Planning Tips
- Make restaurant reservations 2-3 weeks in advance
- Order flowers early to guarantee delivery
- Ship gifts with enough lead time
- Plan activities that align with mom's interests
International Perspective
While the U.S. celebrates Mother's Day in May, other countries observe it on different dates:
- United Kingdom: Fourth Sunday of Lent
- Mexico: May 10
- Thailand: August 12
- Indonesia: December 22
For more information about international celebrations, visit Time and Date or explore detailed historical information at History.com.
Remember that while Mother's Day has become highly commercialized, many mothers appreciate heartfelt gestures and quality time more than expensive gifts. Consider writing a meaningful letter or creating a personalized memento to make the day truly special.