Happy Mothers Day! MABA MassachusettsRealEstate FirstTimeHomeBuyers MaBuyerAgent

Mother’s Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring moms, mother figures, and all the emotional labor they do year-round.

Celebrated in many countries (though not all on the same day), it’s most commonly observed in the U.S. on the second Sunday in May. It’s a time for people to express appreciation — through gifts, phone calls, breakfasts in bed, or just remembering to say “thank you” to the women who made them snacks, wiped their tears, and probably kept the whole family from falling apart.

The U.S. version of Mother’s Day has roots in the early 20th century. 

Largely thanks to Anna Jarvis, who started it as a way to honor her own mother’s legacy and the sacrifices moms make every day. The first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908. Jarvis wanted it to be a quiet, personal day of reflection — maybe a letter, maybe some flowers, but definitely not a card aisle explosion. Ironically, she spent the later part of her life fighting the commercialization of the very holiday she started. Spoiler: she lost that battle.

Today, Mother’s Day is one of the biggest days for phone calls, brunch reservations, and flower sales.

It’s also a major holiday for retail, with everyone from chocolate brands to candle shops cashing in. While some folks stick to heartfelt traditions — handwritten notes, homemade crafts, or quality time — others go big with spa days, jewelry, and elaborate social media tributes that double as personal branding.

But beyond the hashtags and Hallmark cards, Mother’s Day can be complicated.

Not everyone has a warm and fuzzy relationship with their mom. Some people have lost their mothers, are estranged, or are grieving the experience of not becoming a mother themselves. For those who’ve taken on mothering roles without the official title — stepmoms, grandmas, aunts, foster moms, mentors — the day can be meaningful and bittersweet all at once. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of holiday.

That said, when done right, Mother’s Day is a powerful reminder of how vital maternal figures are.

They’re often the emotional engines behind families, quietly managing everything from school pickups to existential crises. And while no single day can truly repay that level of dedication, taking time to acknowledge and thank the moms in our lives matters. Even a small gesture — a call, a kind word, a few hours of peace and quiet — can go a long way.

Ultimately, Mother’s Day is about showing up and being present.

It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect or Pinterest-worthy. Whether you’re spoiling your mom with breakfast in bed, lighting a candle in memory, or just texting someone who’s been like a mom to you, the point is to honor the people who nurture, support, and love — the ones who’ve helped shape us into who we are, one lecture or hug at a time.

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