How Mother's Day Started, Plus 5 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate

Make Mom feel extra special this year by sharing one of these traditions with her. 

happy mother and daughter outside in a park
Photo: DisobeyArt / Adobe Stock

Mother's Day is all about celebrating moms and mother figures everywhere, whether that's by surprising them with breakfast in bed, a day in the garden, or a thoughtful gift. We didn't always pamper Mom this way, though. The holiday has a fascinating history filled with inspiring women worth learning about—and talking about—at a long and well-deserved Mother's Day brunch.

The History of Mother's Day

It's fitting that the holiday was started by a strong woman honoring her mom, but you might not know that the first Mother's Day celebration was actually a memorial service.

Ann Jarvis was a Civil War medic and peace activist in the late 1800s. Throughout her life, she held what she called 'Mother's Day Work Clubs' in her home state of West Virginia, where she would gather local mothers and teach seminars on how to raise healthy children. Drawing inspiration from the feminist poet Julia Ward Howe (who published the "Mother's Day Proclamation" in 1870), Ann dreamed of a day in which people everywhere would help struggling mothers in their communities.

Ann passed away in 1905, and her daughter, Anna Jarvis, wanted to do something meaningful to celebrate her mother's life. On May 10, 1908, Anna sent 500 white carnations, her mother's favorite flower, to the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia (Ann's hometown). Anna also held a memorial service in Philadelphia, where she was living. This is considered the first Mother's Day celebration, although it wouldn't become a national holiday until six years later.

Anna's memorial for her mother sparked a national movement to dedicate a special day to moms everywhere. Her proposition continued to gained popularity, and in 1914, Woodrow Wilson declared Mother's Day a national holiday.

It's worth noting that later in her life, Anna fought to remove Mother's Day as a national holiday, arguing that it had become too commercialized. Rather than a day of service for mothers, she saw greeting card companies and retail chains using the day as a way to sell products. But the holiday stuck, and more than 100 years later, we still love to celebrate Mom each May.

When Is Mother's Day?

In the United States, Mother's Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This year, it falls on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

How to Celebrate Mother's Day

There's no wrong way to shower mom with love, but if you're looking for ideas, we've rounded up a few of our favorite ways to celebrate.

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. Send a Card

No matter if you're spending the day together or miles apart, Mom will love a thoughtful card on her day. We've got 25 free printable Mother's Day cards you can download and print at home, and if you need help writing just the right thing inside, you can pull inspiration from these Mother's Day quotes.

3. Start a New Tradition

It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you celebrate Mom. Consider starting a new tradition this year and plan a fun day together. Enjoy a game night with the whole family, help her organize the kitchen, or schedule a pre-summer pedicure—the two of you will look forward it year after year.

4. Surprise Her with a Gift

This Mother's Day, surprise mom with a special gift that feels like it's been made just for her. Pick up a self-care kit for the Mom that deserves a spa day (or grab her a gift card to her favorite local spa), whip together a spread of impressive chocolate and cheese pairings, or DIY a sweet and sentimental gift she'll cherish forever.

5. Share a Meal

We're all about a delicious Mother's Day brunch, but you don't have to limit yourself to waffles and pancakes. Instead, spend the day cooking together (you can even plan a virtual cooking date if you can't celebrate in person) or treat mom to her favorite local restaurant.

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