Mother’s Day is one of the most heartfelt occasions in the calendar, a moment dedicated to celebrating one of the most important figures in each of our lives.
In many countries, in 2025, this special day will fall on Sunday, May 11, and is always a perfect opportunity to show love, recognition, and gratitude to all mothers.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of this celebration, its history, original gift ideas, and how to celebrate this day with your children best.
When is Mother’s Day 2025?
As we mentioned, in 2025, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11 because this holiday falls on the second Sunday of May in many countries.
It’s important to mark it on your calendar so you don’t arrive unprepared for this special day dedicated to all mothers.
What are the origins of Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day has deep roots dating back to ancient Greece, where festivals were celebrated in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods.
Obviously, the modern celebration has more recent origins. In the United States, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day in 1908, in memory of her mother.
The holiday spread rapidly and was made official in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson.
In Italy, for example, Mother’s Day has been celebrated since the late 1950s. Initially it was held on May 8, but was later moved to the second Sunday of May to align with international celebrations.
What does Mother’s Day mean today?
Today, Mother’s Day represents much more than a simple commercial occasion.
It is a moment to reflect on the value of motherhood and the importance of the maternal role in contemporary society.
In an era of rapid and profound changes, the figure of the mother continues to be a fundamental point of reference for the growth and education of children.
Mother’s Day should celebrate not only biological mothers, but also all maternal figures: from adoptive mothers to grandmothers, from aunts to figures who play a maternal role in children’s lives.
It is a celebration of the unconditional love and sacrifice that characterize motherhood in all its forms.
What to give for Mother’s Day?
Finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day can seem challenging, especially if you want something original and meaningful.
As always, we believe that thoughtful consideration of the gift is worth much more than the economic value of the gift, so here are some suggestions.
Handmade gifts
Personally made gifts have priceless emotional value.
A handmade photo album, a painting, a braided bracelet, or a heartfelt poem can move any mother.
Experiences to share
Giving an experience to live together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Consider a cooking class, a wellness weekend, a museum visit, or a picnic in a special place.
Something technological?
If mom is passionate about technology, consider gadgets that can simplify her daily routine: a smart speaker, an e-reader, or perhaps a subscription to a streaming service.
The timeless classic: plants and flowers
Plants represent a gift that grows and blooms over time, just like a mother’s love. A houseplant, a kit for growing herbs, or an elegant bouquet of flowers are always appreciated gifts.
How to celebrate Mother’s Day with children?
Involving little ones in the celebrations makes the day even more special. Here are some activities to do together:
Prepare breakfast in bed
Help children prepare a special breakfast to serve to mom when she wakes up, perhaps accompanied by a greeting card.
Creative activities
Organizing an afternoon of creative activities, such as making greeting cards, drawings, or small crafts is a fun way to spend time together and create personalized gifts.
Cooking together
Preparing a dessert or mom’s favorite dish together can become a fun and educational activity for children, as well as a way to make her feel special.
A walk in nature
Taking advantage of the nice season, organizing an outdoor trip or a simple walk in the park can be a relaxing way to celebrate together.
Mother’s Day around the world
Although Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries, dates and traditions vary.
In Norway it is celebrated on the second Sunday of February, in the United Kingdom on the fourth Sunday of Lent, while in many Arab countries the celebration coincides with the first day of spring.
In Spain and Portugal the holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday of May, while in many Latin American countries it falls on May 10, regardless of the day of the week.
These differences reflect the cultural diversity and local traditions that characterize this universal celebration.
How to face Mother’s Day in difficult situations?
Not everyone finds Mother’s Day a moment of joy.
For those who have lost their mother, or for those facing difficulties on the path to motherhood, this day can be emotionally complex.
It’s important to recognize these feelings and find personal ways to face the day, whether by commemorating memories, practicing self-compassion, or seeking support from friends and family.
Even for families with non-traditional structures, such as families with two dads, this holiday can be an opportunity to celebrate all figures who provide maternal love and care, regardless of gender (in addition to also taking advantage of Father’s Day).
The evolution of the concept of motherhood
The concept of motherhood is continuously evolving in contemporary society.
Today, being a mom can mean many different things: from full-time working mothers to stay-at-home moms, from single mothers to co-parents. Mother’s Day is an occasion to celebrate this diversity and recognize that there is no single “right” way to be a mother.
It is also a moment to reflect on the challenges that mothers face daily and the importance of creating a society that supports motherhood in all its forms, with work-family reconciliation policies, support services, and a culture of respect for care work.
The support of Parentalife
We at Parentalife stand alongside all parents in their wonderful but challenging journey.
We offer courses, practical guides, and personalized consultations to support mothers and fathers through every stage of their children’s growth.
We believe that being a parent is a unique experience that deserves all possible support, not only during Mother’s Day but every day of the year.
Our goal is to provide reliable information and concrete tools to help every parent develop their own parenting style with awareness and serenity.
SOURCES
https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/history-of-mothers-day/