How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? Will you be traditional and give a card, and flowers, then take her to brunch? Or, are you service-oriented, planning to celebrate by giving to charity in your mother’s name, working with her in a soup kitchen, or distributing gift cards to the homeless? There are as many ways to observe Mother’s Day as there are mothers. Whatever your mother will love is the perfect celebration for her.

Mother’s Day for Peace

In America, Mother’s Day has changed quite a bit over the years. The first one was a long time ago – 1860. Julia Ward Howe is best known for writing The Battle Hymn of the Republic. But in 1870, she wrote a powerful appeal to women all over the world to come together to create peace. “Arise, all women who have hearts,” she wrote in The Mother’s Day Proclamation, “Let women … solemnly take council with each other” as to how “the great human family can live in peace.” Mother’s Day didn’t catch on, yet, but it certainly had a noble beginning.

Modern Mother’s Day Is Born

Anna Jarvis created our Mother’s Day in May, 1908, in memory of her mother and to honor all mothers. Jarvis was so effective at promoting Mother’s Day that by 1914 Congress made it a national holiday. Florists and other stores had helped her, but soon Jarvis felt they took over the holiday, making it more about profit than honoring mothers. She spent the rest of her life trying to reclaim Mother’s Day as a sweet, personal holiday – or, if it couldn’t be saved, to remove it from the calendar altogether.

Especially for Your Mom

Ever since Anna Jarvis created the day, children have been giving their mothers gifts on Mother’s Day. Stores would love you to buy something, but the most special gifts are ones children make themselves (grown children, too!). A drawing, poem, song, or just a note telling your mother how much you love and appreciate her could be a simple gift she will treasure for many years. However you like to observe it, and whatever your budget, Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to let your mother know how much you value and appreciate her. (Then, soon, find another day to show her again!) She’s not perfect, Heaven knows, but without her, you wouldn’t be who you are. In fact, you wouldn’t be here at all! Have a wonderful, joyous Mother’s Day!