Mother’s Day is right around the corner. I’m sure you’ve planned something special to honor and celebrate your Mom, Grandmother, and Mother-in-Law. There are many Mother’s Day traditions which will show her how much you love and care for her.
Mother’s Day Traditions Began Over 100 Years Ago
Before we get to some of the best ways to honor Mom, I thought it might be a good idea to find out how this celebration of motherhood actually began. According to Wikipedia.org, the modern holiday was first celebrated in the United States in Grafton, West Virginia in 1907. That’s where a woman named Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day “Service of Worship” at her church.
Believe it or not, the following year, the United States Congress actually rejected a proposal to proclaim a national Mother’s Day observed holiday. Who would vote against Mom? Well, women did not have the right to vote back in 1908, so I guess those foolish men felt it was unnecessary.
It was U.S. President Woodrow Wilson who signed a proclamation in 1914 which designated the second Sunday in May “as a national holiday to honor mothers.” Well done, Mr. President!
Woman Who Organized Mother’s Day Eventually Boycotted Celebrations
I kept reading the Wikipedia.org article about Mother’s Day. I was surprised to learn that Anna Jarvis, the woman responsible for organizing the first Mother’s Day service, and for urging all of the states in the nation to set aside a day to honor Moms, would come to resent the commercialization of the holiday.
She actually organized boycotts against Mother’s Day celebrations and the companies and industries which she felt exploited her initial idea of what the holiday was all about.
Per Wikipedia.org: “Jarvis argued that people should appreciate and honor their mothers through handwritten letters expressing their love and gratitude, instead of buying gifts and pre-made cards.”
Does anybody create handwritten letters anymore? Don’t even think about sending your Mom a quick text that just reads “Happy Mother’s Day.” Instead, scroll down and check out some of today’s most popular Mother’s Day traditions which will show your love and gratitude towards Mothers, Grandmothers, and Mothers-in-Law.
Greeting Cards
Regardless of what Mother’s Day founder Anna Jarvis said, greeting cards are one of the most popular ways in which many of us show Mom how much we love her. Be sure to take Miss Jarvis’s advice and actually write a nice note of gratitude to your Mom to really let her know how you feel about her. Make it a heartfelt note.
Flower Arrangements
Gifting flowers is another very popular way to brighten Mom’s day on the second Sunday in May. Roses are the most popular arrangement to give Mom. They don’t always have romantic connotations, and they don’t have to be red roses. Carnations are also associated with Mother’s Day. If you want your flowery gift to last longer, you might consider a dried flower arrangement for Mom.
Gift Cards
This is certainly one of the less personal ways to celebrate with Mom. If you are getting a Mother’s Day gift for a friend’s Mother, or a Mom who is not part of your immediate family, a gift card would be an appreciated gift. Remember, if you are going to get your Mom or wife a gift card, make sure it is for a store, restaurant, or website she really, really loves.
Framed Kid's Art
I have a vague memory of making Mom a macaroni necklace, or a drawing, or home-made Mother’s Day card when I was a kid. It is a time honored tradition for the little ones to hand Mom something they created with their own hands and imagination on Mother’s Day. Heck, buy her some refrigerator magnets so she can pop that piece of kid’s art right up there on the fridge where everyone can see it.
Take Over Mom's Household Chores
I don’t want to sound sexist about this. Your Mom may not necessarily be the home’s head chef and/or head custodian. But, I am sure there are many things she does around the house which keep it organized and running smoothly. Well, take the time on Mother’s Day to give her some relief from those household chores she hates to do that must get done. Mother’s Day should really be a day of rest and relaxation for Mom.
Treat Mom To Breakfast, Brunch Or Dinner
Now that my Mom is over 90-years young, she pretty much has all the “stuff” she’ll ever need. So, each Mother’s Day, besides writing her a note of gratitude in a greeting card, I also like to cook her a big meal at our home, or take her out to one of her favorite restaurants. I make sure that she gets served a meal she has been craving, rather than what I might prefer for that meal. It’s also a nice time to just sit and chat with her both during and after the meal. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
