Honestly, every day should be Mother’s Day.

Moms are the backbone of society and should be celebrated as such. For over a hundred years, the United States has celebrated the mothers of our country by observing Mother’s Day.

The national holiday was originally recognized in 1914. Anna Jarvis founded the holiday in honor of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs nationwide. The club strived to help mothers during the Civil War. “[She hoped and prayed] that someone, sometime, will found a memorial Mother’s Day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.” Her daughter remembered her mother’s hope and later founded the national holiday we know and love today!

However, Anna Jarvis later became upset with the holiday and how it was celebrated. Rather than a celebration of motherhood, the holiday became a commercial holiday. Jarvis wanted to protect it from “the hordes of money schemers." Here are a few ways that you can celebrate your mom this year in the way its founder intended.

Bouquet and Letters

Honor your mother by giving her a beautiful spring bouquet and a handwritten letter. Make sure to tell her just how much she means to you, and don’t forget to thank her for all the work she does! Remember, she had to change your diapers once. The very least you can do is reward her with something that smells nice.

Dinner

Stop using your mom as your personal chef! This Mother’s Day, go all out and cook a nice meal for your mom. Quality time spent during your meal is sure to make her day! You can find some tasty and unique recipes here! Or take her out to a fancy restaurant and pick up the check.  Do you know how much money your mom has spent on you? You can pay for one meal.

Intentional Gifts 

If your mom is anything like mine, she has no time to shop for herself. Gift cards are a useless gift for her. Instead, try and be intentional with your gift-giving. Pay attention to what your mom is showing interest in or what you have noticed she might need. You can also get creative and make a homemade gift you know she will appreciate. Throw it back to elementary school when you would create flowerpots and Christmas ornaments! Make a scrapbook of old memories or a custom calendar.

Mother’s Day is an amazing day where we spend extra time celebrating the mother figures we have in our lives. From your mom to your grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and more, I hope you can celebrate the women who have impacted your life.

Be well, Auburn!