On Sunday, May 10, 2026 Mother’s Day is celebrated in the United States. The intent of the celebration is to honor mothers and motherhood. Wikipedia defines Mother’s Day as “A celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and influence of mothers in society. “Mothers of all ages will find yourselves involved assisting children’s gifts, honoring grandparents, and accepting the love and recognition bestowed on you — all wrapped into your Mother’s Day. This is the perfect time for family members to express their joy of giving and gratitude of receiving — two values worth imparting to our children.
History
Historically, celebrations of mothers can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals in honor of mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. The modern Mother’s Day holiday has roots going back to ancient goddesses worship, Christian observances and activism.
Within the United States the first Mother’s Day service was initiated in 1908 by Anna Jarvis at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton West Virginia. By 1911 all states observed the holiday. President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 signed the proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday to honor mothers to be held on the second Sunday in the month of May.
Anna Jarvis originally conceived Mother’s Day as a personal celebration between mothers and family. Her vision involved wearing a white carnation and visiting one’s mother and attending church services. Once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, the commercial aspect of giving flowers and cards became a tradition. Mother’s Day has been adopted by other countries where it has different meanings associated with different religious, historical and legendary events.
Since the celebration of Mother’s Day has evolved over the years, you have an opportunity to create your own personal Mother’s Day traditions. Both the action of giving to others and expressing gratitude are important values to impart to our children. Mother’s Day provides an opportunity to teach these values to our children.
Create Mother’s Day Gifts
Keep in mind that children of all ages enjoy being able to give a gift to their mother. Depending upon the age of the child, you may need to assist in making this possible. Handmade gifts may require having a supply of craft materials in the house. Activities may require parental permission and lessons on the use of technology. A reminder date circled on the family’s event calendar will help family members plan for Mother’s Day.
Cards and Pictures
Children take pride in making gifts for their mothers. Your house can become your child’s special workshop. Remember to supply children with paper, colored markers, glitter, fabric, old magazines, and paste to create their original cards. Cards and pictures can be combined with streamers and balloons to decorate a door or wall announcing this day.
Verses and letters
A personal message in the form of an original poem or letter for one’s mother is always a cherished gift. No matter what the age of the mother, a special message written for them from adult children and grandchildren is meaningful. These poems and letters can be collected over the years and in the future serve as a tender remembrance of the love shared.
Photographs
Create a photo album with photographs of children with their mother and Grandmother. Make a tradition of taking a Mother’s Day photo with your mother. Mother surrounded by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren creates a lasting memory. A photo that mothers can carry with them either in wallet or cell phone provides a way for mothers to share with friends photographs and stories about their family.
Flowers
Over the years flowers have become associated with Mother’s Day. Flowers are always a welcome gift. These can range from a professional flower arrangement purchased from a florist to a bouquet of flowers picked from your garden. Children love to pick flowers to give to their mother. Children can pick wildflowers from your yard that can be placed on your table in a small juice glass tied with a ribbon. Potted plants in a home decorated container also make a lasting floral gift.
Day Off Routine
Mother’s Day is often associated with giving mother a day off from typical activities such as cooking and household chores. Take advantage of this concept by preparing a special breakfast or dinner. The members of your household can prepare the meal, set the table, decorate the room, and clean dishes after the meal. Mom can relax and enjoy her family.
Other activities can concentrate on gardening, yard work, and porch cleaning. Any chore that multiple family members can do together for Mom.
Out of Town Mother
Modern technology helps families in different cities stay connected. By making a telephone call or a facetime connection, the out-of-town Mother knows that she is being remembered on this special day. It is also possible for a group chat or virtual meeting to watch a special show or sing together. Receiving a card and letter in the mail or e-mail message is also always welcome. Combine the old and new communication methods — a card in her mailbox with call on the phone.
Grandmother in Residential Facility
Of special importance is to visit grandmother who resides in a senior residence or nursing facility. It is especially important for older grandparents to have a personal connection with their adult children and grandchildren. Create time on Mother’s Day to visit and take with you pictures and cards that can be displayed in grandma’s room at facility. Your grandmother then has a picture to continue to share and tell others about her loving family.
Multiple Mothers
Remember all those individuals who play the role of mother in your family. This varies in different families. These individuals may include step- mothers, mothers-in-law, aunts, sisters, mentors, and guardians. All those special people who serve in the role of mother by providing their love and support. You are special to these individuals, and they should be honored on Mother’s Day. It is not a title that matters, but the special relationship between the adult and child.
Gratitude
The display of gratitude is in your hands. It is through example that your children will learn to express appreciation and gratitude. As a mother, it is up to you to model gratitude by expressing your appreciation and thanks to your children and grandchildren.
Always let children of all ages know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. Express gratitude for whatever gift you received. Whether your Mother’s Day gift is a handmade creation, purchased gift or a thoughtful action, you will want to express your thanks. Make certain that your children and grandchildren realize that you love them and appreciate their special efforts not only on Mother’s Day, but every day.
