Real Estate Innovation

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Julia Ward Howe launched the first Mother’s Day celebration on June 2, 1872. Back then, it was different than we think of Mother’s Day today. It was correctly called the “Mother’s Day for Peace,” and its goal was to remonstrate war and celebrate peace. In addition, moms everywhere were also acknowledged for their roles in the well-being of a peaceful society. Women’s suffrage also was mentioned on this day of the year. Until the turn of the 20th century, the holiday was pretty much celebrated in this way.

Ann Reeves Jarvis was another woman who made significant contributions to society through organizing women to improve conditions in their communities. Her daughter Anna campaigned for a national holiday honoring mothers after she passed away. Woodrow Wilson approved the holiday in 1914, and since then has been celebrated annually every second Sunday of May.

By the year 1923, Jarvis began to be very outspoken against the commercialization of Mother’s Day. What had begun, in her eyes, as an attempt to honor motherhood had turned into a bonanza at the local shops and markets for Mother’s Day gifts. Many people began to send flowers to their moms as gifts on this special day. Jarvis never did have children of her own, and spent most of her life speaking out against the way the holiday was being celebrated. Sadly, she spent the latter part of her life in a sanitarium,

Many people celebrate Mother’s Day by spending time with their mothers. For those who live too far away to visit, it is customary to send flowers or cards. Some people choose to send their mother her favorite variety of flower while others choose flowers that hold a more personal and special meaning to her.

Mother’s Day is a time to recognize all the special things that moms do for their children. Children will usually pick out special presents for their mothers. Often the fathers are enlisted to help choose the gifts, which range from flowers to jewelry to clothing.

Jarvis didn’t intend to create the commercial holiday she originally set in motion. Unfortunately she failed to see that even though more presents and gifts were purchased at this time of year, Mother’s Day is still a very special holiday and honors motherhood just as she wanted it to do.