10 Facts About Mother’s Day
You May Not Know
No one doubts for a moment the influence of a mother.
Of this most influential person in his life, George Washington said, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”1
Motherhood means a lot to us here at Moms for America. It’s who we are, and who we stand for. It’s who we know is the heart of the home and who will determine the future of our country.
That’s because a mom is more than someone who wipes noses, changes diapers and worse! A mom is the one who holds the greatest influence on her children. She steers the course of their hearts toward certain values and beliefs. She is the strength her children turn to, the love they count on, and the inspiration they look to.
That’s what makes Mother’s Day so special. And why we love them so much.
So, moms, we salute you today as we share these 10 facts about Mother’s Day!
1. 22 Million Phones Will Ring on Mother’s Day
Americans don’t let distance keep them from their moms! Phone calling has been a centerpiece of Mother’s Day for years, with families spread across the nation. Around 122 million phones will ring on Mother’s Day!
2. Greeting Cards Top the List of Mother’s Day Gifts
Every year, people try to find the best way to say, “I love you, Mom!” Greeting cards top the list of gifts for mom, followed closely by flowers, special outings, gift cards, clothing, and jewelry.5
3. Mother’s Day Was Made Official on May 9, 1914
President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring Mother’s Day an official holiday on May 9, 1914. But the idea began in 1908 when a woman named Anna Jarvis started Mother’s Day to honor her own mom, who had worked tirelessly serving moms after the Civil War.
4. Mother’s Day is the Busiest Restaurant Day of the Year
So far, we’ve learned that Americans like to make phone calls, send greeting cards and…. EAT to celebrate mom. Each year, reservations are snapped up by families wanting to secure a table for that special second Sunday in May. More than 1/3 of American adults vye for a table to celebrate mom, making Mother’s Day the busiest restaurant day of the year!
5. Americans Will Spend $35.7 Billion This Mother’s Day
Even with lingering pandemic hassles and current economic woes, spending on moms is expected to rise by $4 billion this year, meaning Americans will spend more than 35 billion dollars on moms in 2023. By any measure, that’s a lot of flowers, dining, greeting cards, and macaroni necklaces! 5
6. The Carnation is the Official Flower of Mother’s Day
This tradition began when Anna Jarvis sent hundreds of carnations to her West Virginia home church to honor mothers in that congregation. That single gesture landed the carnation in the top spot as the official flower of Mother’s Day. Today, the colors of the frilly blooms have specific meanings – white carnations to honor deceased mothers and red to celebrate the living.6
7. Mother’s Day is the Third Most-Attended Church Service
We all knew Easter and Christmas yield large church attendance crowds, but something about mom makes people want to show reverence and focus on faith and family. Many Americans will start their Mother’s Day celebration by attending church with their moms, making Mother’s Day the third most-attended church service behind Easter and Christmas!7
8. What Moms Want Most
According to a survey by Mother’s® Cookies, what moms want most for Mother’s Day is for their husband/partner to take on all household chores for the day! That same survey also uncovered that 46% of men did not get their partner a gift for Mother’s Day in the past. Ruh-roh. Sounds like problem solved on both sides by getting Dad to take the burden off Mom for the holiday.11
9. Most Women in the U.S. Have Their First Child in Their Twenties
As of 2019, the average age of first-time mothers is 27. Most women in the U.S have their first child in their twenties, with 20% waiting until after 35.
10. American Moms Are Influencing 73.1 Million Children
Moms, this Mother’s Day, remember the power of your influence. Our nation has great wealth in our children and moms like you who raise them. American moms are influencing 73.1 million children (under age 18) in our population, and each one needs what we moms have to offer. The future of our nation is found in those precious ones. So, start where you are – keep on loving, leading, and educating your precious young American patriots. It can change everything! 9
Well, there you have it. Mother’s Day celebrations in a nutshell. But, let’s face it, Mother’s Day should be celebrated year-round! Why? William Ross Wallace penned the famous claim, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world!”
Moms, don’t underestimate your power to impact future generations. Your love, long hours, and unrelenting dedication to your kiddos can change the course of this nation for good!
