Mother's Day

What is Mother's Day? A Celebration of Love and Gratitude

Mother's Day in the United States is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a heartfelt, nationwide observance dedicated to honoring the profound influence of mothers and motherhood. It is a day set aside to pause the relentless pace of modern life and express deep appreciation for the women who have shaped our lives, offered unconditional love, and provided unwavering support. Unlike many holidays rooted in ancient traditions or government decrees, Mother's Day is a relatively modern creation, born from a daughter's love and a desire to create a special moment of remembrance. It is a fundamentally personal and intimate holiday, celebrated not with large public parades or official ceremonies, but within the warm embrace of families.

The essence of Mother's Day lies in its simplicity and sincerity. At its core, it is a celebration of the unique bond between a mother and her children. It’s a day for saying "thank you" for the countless sacrifices made, the late-night worries, the endless encouragement, and the quiet strength that defines motherhood. While commercial aspects like flowers, cards, and gifts are prominent, they are merely vessels for the genuine emotions that the day is meant to convey. The true spirit of the holiday is captured in a shared meal, a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, or simply the gift of time and attention. It’s a day to recognize that the role of a mother—whether biological, adoptive, or chosen—is one of the most influential and cherished in society. Anna Jarvis, the founder of the modern holiday, envisioned it as a purely personal tribute, a day to honor "the best mother who ever lived—yours." This singular focus on individual appreciation is what makes Mother's Day so special and enduring.

When is Mother's Day in 2026?

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This date is not fixed to a specific calendar day like Christmas on December 25th, but rather moves with the calendar, always ensuring it falls on a Sunday. For 2026, Mother's Day will be on Sunday, May 10, 2026. As of today, this special day is 82 days away, giving everyone ample time to plan how they will show their appreciation.

The choice of the second Sunday in May was a key part of Anna Jarvis's campaign, as it made the holiday accessible to families across the country without creating a mid-week disruption to work and school. This consistent pattern—always a Sunday—has made it easy for people to remember and plan for. Unlike holidays like Thanksgiving, which also falls on a Thursday, Mother's Day's Sunday placement allows for a full day dedicated to family activities, brunches, and visits without the pressure of a workday looming. The variable nature of the date adds a unique anticipation each year, but the rule remains steadfast: the second Sunday in May is Mother's Day.

The Historical Roots of an American Tradition

The story of Mother's Day is a powerful testament to the impact one person can have. While the idea of honoring mothers dates back to ancient Greek and Roman festivals celebrating mother goddesses, the modern American holiday has a very specific and poignant origin. Its creation is owed almost entirely to Anna Jarvis, a woman from Grafton, West Virginia, who wished to honor the memory of her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis.

Ann Reeves Jarvis was a remarkable woman in her own right. In the years following the Civil War, she organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" in several communities to improve sanitation and public health. These clubs were instrumental in reducing infant mortality by teaching young mothers proper childcare and sanitation techniques. She also created a "Mothers' Friendship Day" in 1868 to bring together mothers of Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Her work was focused on community, care, and the practical well-being of families.

After her mother's death on May 9, 1905, Anna Jarvis was determined to create a lasting tribute. She envisioned a day where every person could return to their hometown and spend the day with their mother, expressing love and gratitude. She launched a relentless letter-writing campaign to churches, businesses, and politicians, advocating for a national day to honor mothers. Her persistence paid off. The first official Mother's Day observance took place on May 10, 1908, at the Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia—the same church where Ann Reeves Jarvis had taught Sunday school.

The movement quickly gained momentum. By 1911, every U.S. state had adopted Mother's Day observances. The campaign's crowning achievement came in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. Wilson's proclamation paid tribute to "that best of all days, Mother's Day," and it officially cemented the holiday's place in American culture.

However, the story has a bittersweet epilogue. Anna Jarvis, who had fought so hard for the holiday, grew deeply disillusioned as it became increasingly commercialized. She had envisioned a day of personal sentiment and handwritten notes, but she watched as florists, candy makers, and greeting card companies capitalized on the occasion. She spent the rest of her life and her fortune fighting against the commercialism she felt had corrupted her mother's legacy, even protesting at the first commercial Mother's Day in New York in 1923. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the holiday's original intent: a simple, heartfelt expression of love.

How People Celebrate Mother's Day Across the Nation

Mother's Day celebrations in the United States are as diverse as the families who observe it, but they all revolve around a central theme of appreciation and togetherness. The day is characterized by personal gestures and quality time spent with loved ones. Here are some of the most common ways Americans celebrate:

Family Meals and Dining Out: One of the most popular traditions is treating Mom to a meal. This often involves taking her out to a restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Restaurants are notoriously busy on Mother's Day, with many offering special prix-fixe menus or complimentary mimosas for mothers. For many families, a home-cooked meal prepared for Mom by her children or partner is an even more cherished alternative, allowing for a personal and intimate setting.

Gift-Giving and Cards: While Anna Jarvis may have disapproved, the exchange of gifts and cards is a deeply ingrained part of the celebration. Greeting cards are a cornerstone of the holiday, with millions purchased each year to convey messages of love and gratitude. Popular gifts include flowers (especially carnations, the official flower of Mother's Day), chocolates, jewelry, spa and beauty products, and personalized items like photo albums or custom-made crafts. The gift is less about its monetary value and more about the thought behind it, symbolizing the recipient's importance.

Spending Quality Time: For many, the greatest gift is simply time spent together. This can take many forms: taking a walk in a park, visiting a botanical garden, attending a church service together, or simply gathering at home for conversation and laughter. Families often use the day as an opportunity to create new memories, whether through a planned activity or a spontaneous gathering. The focus is on connection and celebrating the mother's role in the family.

Honoring All Mother Figures: The celebration extends beyond just biological mothers. Many Americans use the day to honor grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, sisters, and other women who have played a maternal role in their lives. It is a day to acknowledge the many forms that motherhood can take and to express gratitude to all who provide care, guidance, and love.

Special Activities and Traditions: Some families have unique traditions. It's common for children to present their mothers with breakfast in bed, a classic gesture of care. Others might give their mothers the "day off" by taking care of all the household chores. For those whose mothers have passed away, the day can be one of quiet remembrance, perhaps by visiting a gravesite, looking through old photos, or sharing stories that keep her memory alive.

Practical Information for Mother's Day 2026

While Mother's Day is a cherished national holiday, it's important to understand its practical implications for your daily life. Unlike federal holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, its observance has a different impact on businesses and services.

Is Mother's Day a Public Holiday? No, Mother's Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. This means it is not one of the 11 days per year when federal government offices are closed, and employees are not entitled to paid time off. However, it is widely recognized and celebrated across the country. The key difference is that schools, banks, post offices, and government buildings will operate on their normal Sunday schedules. You won't get a day off from work unless it coincidentally falls on a weekend for you.

What's Open and What's Closed? Because Mother's Day falls on a Sunday, most businesses already have reduced hours or are closed. However, the holiday creates a few specific changes:

Retail Stores and Malls: Most major retail stores, shopping malls, and outlets are open on Mother's Day, often with extended hours to accommodate shoppers. It is one of the busiest retail days of the year, particularly for florists, jewelry stores, and gift shops. Restaurants: As mentioned, restaurants are typically open and very busy. It is highly advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular brunch spots. Many restaurants may require a pre-fixed menu or have a minimum charge for the day. Grocery and Convenience Stores: Most grocery stores are open, though they may have shorter hours than on a typical Sunday. Convenience stores and pharmacies are also generally open. Public Transportation: Public transit systems, such as buses and subways in major cities, usually run on their standard Sunday schedules. It's always a good idea to check local transit authority websites for any holiday-specific adjustments.

• Banks and Post Offices: As it is a Sunday, all banks and post office branches will be closed. No mail will be delivered on Mother's Day.

Planning for the Day Given the high volume of people dining out and traveling, planning is key to a stress-free Mother's Day. If you plan to take your mother to a restaurant, make reservations weeks in advance. If you're traveling to see family, expect heavier traffic on major highways, especially on Sunday afternoon as people return home. It's also wise to order flowers or gifts ahead of time to ensure timely delivery, as florists and delivery services are at peak capacity. By planning ahead, you can ensure the day is focused on celebration rather than logistics.