🌸 Mother’s Day 2025: Date, History & How to Celebrate the Women Who Raised Us

Mother’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt reminder of the unconditional love, sacrifice, and strength that mothers bring into our lives every single day. Whether she’s your biological mom, a stepmom, grandma, godmother, or a mother figure who’s guided you with love, this day is a chance to pause and say, “Thank you.”

As we look ahead to Mother’s Day 2025, celebrated in the U.S. on Sunday, May 11, it’s more than just a time for flowers and cards. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the history of this beautiful tradition, understand how it’s celebrated around the world, and discover meaningful ways to make your mom—or any maternal figure in your life—feel truly cherished.

In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of Mother’s Day, how it evolved into the celebration we know today, and offer heartfelt ideas to honor the incredible women who’ve shaped us. From brunch plans and memory books to spiritual reflections and gift ideas, there’s something here for every kind of celebration.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how much you feel. And this May, we invite you to celebrate the women who made you who you are—with intention, gratitude, and love.

📅 When is Mother’s Day in 2025?

In the United States, Mother’s Day 2025 falls on Sunday, May 11.

While it’s easy to remember that Mother’s Day always comes around in May, the actual date changes every year because it’s celebrated on the second Sunday of May—not a fixed calendar day. In 2025, that Sunday happens to be May 11, making it the perfect time to pause and reflect on all that moms do for us.

Across the country, this day is embraced with love: families host brunches, children write cards, adults send flowers, and social media fills up with tributes to moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, and maternal figures. Whether you’re close by or miles apart, May 11 is a meaningful reminder to say those three little words: “Thank you, Mom.”

🌼 Why the Second Sunday of May?

Mother’s Day in the United States began with the work of Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s, who campaigned to create a day of national recognition for mothers. Her efforts paid off when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914, officially designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Why a Sunday? It’s traditionally seen as a day for family togetherness, allowing people to travel or gather for church, meals, or celebrations. Choosing May also allowed for beautiful springtime weather and a fresh sense of renewal—perfect for honoring motherhood.

🌍 When is Mother’s Day Celebrated Around the World?

Mother’s Day is a global celebration, but not every country celebrates it on the same day. Here’s a quick look at how Mother’s Day dates differ across cultures and countries in 2025:

💐 A Universal Celebration with Unique Flavors

While the dates may vary, the heart of Mother’s Day remains the same around the world: it’s a time to honor mothers and express gratitude. In some cultures, it’s deeply tied to religion or national history. In others, it’s focused on family reunions, large meals, and traditional gifts like flowers or crafts made by children.

In Japan, children often gift red or pink carnations. In Mexico, many families treat their moms to serenades and home-cooked food. In Thailand, school events and tributes to the Queen Mother take center stage. And in the U.K., Mothering Sunday has religious roots and a slightly different tone—often including church services and traditional cakes like simnel cake.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar Now

Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, planning ahead for Mother’s Day 2025 can make all the difference. From ordering gifts early to booking brunch reservations or just setting aside the day to be fully present, showing appreciation doesn’t require extravagance—just intention.

So go ahead and mark Sunday, May 11, 2025, on your calendar. Call your mom. Write that letter. Plan that family meal. Because no matter where in the world you are, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the woman who made you who you are.

🕰️ A Brief History of Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day in America is widely recognized as a modern holiday filled with flowers, brunches, and heartfelt cards, its origins are deeply rooted in both activism and ancient tradition.

The official beginning of Mother’s Day in the United States is credited to Anna Jarvis, a determined woman from Grafton, West Virginia. In 1908, she organized the first formal Mother’s Day celebration at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church to honor her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis. Ann had been a community activist who worked to improve health and sanitation during and after the Civil War. Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Anna wanted a national day to honor the selfless love, sacrifices, and strength of all mothers.

Her idea gained momentum, and after years of lobbying and letter-writing campaigns to influential leaders, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, to be observed annually on the second Sunday in May. It was intended as a day for Americans to express love and gratitude to mothers through personal, heartfelt gestures—not commercial gifts.

However, Anna Jarvis would later grow disillusioned with how the holiday evolved. She criticized its commercialization, believing that store-bought cards and expensive presents diluted the sincerity of the day she had worked so hard to establish.

But the roots of honoring motherhood go back even further. In Ancient Greece, festivals were held to worship Rhea, the mother of the gods. Similarly, Ancient Romans celebrated Cybele, their powerful mother goddess, with spring festivals full of offerings and games.

In 16th-century England, Mothering Sunday emerged as a Christian holiday celebrated during Lent. Originally, it was a day when people returned to their “mother church,” but it gradually evolved into a day to honor mothers with flowers and small gifts.

Across the centuries and cultures, one thing has remained true: mothers have always held a sacred place in our hearts and histories.

💖 Why We Celebrate Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day isn’t just another holiday on the calendar—it’s a deeply personal and emotional celebration for many. At its heart, Mother’s Day is about gratitude. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and recognize the incredible women who shape our lives with patience, strength, and unwavering love.

We celebrate Mother’s Day to honor the daily sacrifices mothers make, often without complaint or recognition. Whether it’s staying up all night with a sick child, juggling work and home responsibilities, or offering a shoulder to cry on—moms are always there, holding everything together.

Mothers are more than caregivers. They are teachers, imparting life lessons and values. They’re protectors, making us feel safe in a chaotic world. They’re our biggest cheerleaders, rooting for us through every win and loss. From scraped knees to broken hearts, their love is the constant that carries us through every chapter of life.

But let’s be clear: this day isn’t just for biological mothers. It’s also for the stepmoms who stepped in with open hearts, the grandmas who raised generations with wisdom and warmth, the aunts and godmothers who became second moms, and the foster mothers who open their homes with unconditional love. Even a close family friend who’s always there deserves a shout-out. Anyone who plays a nurturing, motherly role is worth celebrating.

In a world that often moves too fast, Mother’s Day invites us to slow down and say something simple yet profound: “Thank you for loving me the way only a mother can.”

So whether it’s with a call, a hug, a handwritten card, or breakfast in bed—celebrate her. Cherish her. Make her feel seen.s special day.

🌼 How to Celebrate Mother’s Day in 2025

Whether you’re just down the hall or halfway across the world, Mother’s Day 2025 is your chance to show love, appreciation, and gratitude in your own special way. And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget or extravagant plans to make it memorable. From simple gestures to more elaborate surprises, there’s a celebration idea for every kind of mom.

Here are some heartfelt and creative ways to celebrate the incredible women in your life this Mother’s Day:

🥞 1. Host a Mother’s Day Brunch

Start her day with a delicious spread that she didn’t have to cook! A homemade brunch can include her favorites—pancakes, fruit salad, omelets, avocado toast, and, of course, coffee or mimosas. You could even turn it into an outdoor picnic if the weather’s nice. Don’t forget to decorate the table with fresh flowers and handwritten name cards for an extra personal touch.

💡 Pro tip: Involve the kids in prepping! Let them stir, pour, or serve to make it a family effort.

💌 2. Write Her a Heartfelt Letter

Forget store-bought cards—nothing beats a handwritten letter straight from the heart. Share your favorite memory with her, express your gratitude, or tell her how her love and guidance have shaped you. If you’re not great with words, even a short, sincere note will touch her soul.

This is especially meaningful for moms who live far away or for honoring a mom who’s no longer with you.

📸 3. Make a Memory Book

Turn your favorite memories into a gift she’ll treasure forever. You can create a scrapbook filled with old photos, drawings, ticket stubs, or even recipes passed down through generations. Or go digital with a photo slideshow set to her favorite music. Invite siblings and family members to contribute stories and images to make it a group project.

📷 A surprise memory video message from loved ones can be the cherry on top.

📱 4. Schedule a Video Call

If you’re long-distance, don’t let the miles keep you from connecting. A video call is the next best thing to being there in person. Schedule a virtual coffee date or dinner together, and don’t rush the conversation. Let her know that, even from afar, she’s your priority today.

💡 Bonus idea: Coordinate with other family members to hop on the call for a surprise group chat!

🧖‍♀️ 5. Give Her the Gift of Relaxation

She spends the whole year caring for everyone else—this day is about her. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give her what she rarely takes for herself: rest, peace, and pampering.

Gift her a day of pure relaxation. You can book a massage, arrange a luxurious spa day, or create a personalized self-care kit with bath bombs, soothing candles, herbal teas, fuzzy socks, and cozy slippers. Add a calming playlist, and you’ve just delivered serenity in a box.

🌿 For an extra layer of comfort, include a handwritten spiritual or religious Mother’s Day blessing—something that speaks to her faith and helps her unwind in body and soul.

💌 Bonus idea: Make a “Mom’s Day Off” coupon book with fun, redeemable treats like:

• “One laundry-free day”
• “Breakfast in bed”
• “An hour of quiet with your favorite book”
• “Movie night on your terms”

🕊️ Need the perfect message to include with your gift? Choose from these heartfelt Mother’s Day wishes that say everything you feel but may not always say out loud.

🌷 6. Send Flowers or Plants

You can never go wrong with fresh flowers or a beautiful potted plant that keeps blooming. Each petal is a gentle reminder of your love and appreciation. Popular Mother’s Day picks include carnations, tulips, lilies, and orchids—each with its own symbolism and charm.

🌸 Want to make it even more meaningful? Choose blooms that represent your relationship or select her birth month flower for a personal touch.

💌 And don’t forget the card! Add a thoughtful Mother’s Day message or a heartfelt quote that reflects your bond and feelings—it’s the words that turn a gift into a keepsake.

🎥 7. Watch a Movie Together

Sometimes, the best gift is simply time together. Snuggle up with Mom and watch a movie that reflects your bond or one of her all-time favorites. Try “Mamma Mia” for some musical fun, “Little Women” for sisterhood and strength, or “Stepmom” for those heartfelt tears.

🍿 Don’t forget popcorn, chocolate, and cozy blankets!

📚 8. Gift a Book

If your mom loves to read, a well-chosen book can be a deeply personal gift. From inspirational memoirs to page-turning thrillers, choose a title that aligns with her interests. Include a note inside the cover explaining why you picked it and how much she means to you.

📖 Some book ideas:

• “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
• “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
• “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
• A beautiful devotional or guided journal

🙏 Religious and Spiritual Ways to Celebrate

For many families, Mother’s Day isn’t just about flowers and brunch—it’s also a moment to reflect on the spiritual blessings of motherhood. Honoring Mom through a faith-filled lens adds a layer of meaning that goes beyond the material, connecting heart, home, and heaven.

One of the most cherished ways to begin the day is by attending a special Mother’s Day church service together. Whether it’s a traditional service, a community gathering, or a quiet moment of worship at home, sharing spiritual time as a family can be deeply grounding and uplifting for everyone—especially Mom.

You might also consider sharing a heartfelt Bible verse, prayer, or blessing that reminds her how treasured she is, not just in your life but in the eyes of God. Light a candle in memory of a mother who has passed, or gather the family for a quiet prayer of gratitude, asking for continued strength, peace, and joy in her journey.

📖 Recommended Bible Verse:

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28

This verse from Proverbs beautifully captures the essence of a godly mother—respected, cherished, and honored by her family. It’s a powerful reminder that motherhood is a divine calling, one filled with grace, sacrifice, and unshakable love.

🕊️ To add more spiritual meaning to your celebration, consider including a thoughtful note from our collection of religious Mother’s Day wishes in her card or gift. Let her know that her faith, strength, and love are the pillars that hold the family together.

🕊️ Honoring Moms Who Are No Longer With Us

For many, Mother’s Day can be a bittersweet reminder of loss. Here are gentle ways to honor a mom in heaven:

• Visit her favorite place
• Cook one of her signature dishes
• Light a candle in remembrance
• Share stories with family members
• Write a letter to her spirit

🎁 Popular Mother’s Day Gifts for 2025

Looking for something thoughtful? Here are trending ideas:

• Personalized jewelry with kids’ names
• Digital photo frames
• Wellness subscriptions (like Calm or Headspace)
• Custom recipe books
• Engraved cutting boards or kitchen tools
• Birth flower necklaces (each month has one!)
• Handwritten message candles

✨ FAQ: Mother’s Day 2025

📌 What day is Mother’s Day in 2025?

Sunday, May 11, 2025 in the United States.

📌 Is Mother’s Day a federal holiday?

No, it’s not a federal holiday, but it is widely recognized and celebrated.

📌 Who created Mother’s Day?

Anna Jarvis is credited with founding Mother’s Day in the U.S. in the early 1900s.

📌 What are traditional Mother’s Day flowers?

Carnations are classic, especially pink (for living moms) and white (for moms in memory).

📌 What do you write in a Mother’s Day card?

Write something personal, loving, and specific. Include a memory, a compliment, and heartfelt thanks.

🎀 Final Thoughts: However You Celebrate, Make It Personal

At the heart of it all, Mother’s Day is about recognition, love, and connection. Whether you’re celebrating with breakfast in bed or a long-distance phone call, the most meaningful gift is one that shows thought, love, and gratitude.

So this May 11th, pause and take the time to say “Thank you, Mom.” Not because a calendar says so—but because she’s earned it a thousand times over.