Since I’ve started working in the event planning industry, my perspective on major and/or public holidays has changed dramatically. I think about and approach holidays differently now. Even more so, the weight I give to holidays has increased so much for some previously seeming “minor” days.
Now hear me out if you think you know where I’m going with this.
For a long time, I didn’t give too much weight to Mother’s Day. Yes, yes, I made sure I called my mom if I couldn’t see her in person, and sent her a small gift to make sure she knew I was thinking of her (thank you very much), but in the grand scheme of things, shouldn’t I put more attention to the Big 3 (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas)?
And you might be feeling how I am here, and I understand that! That said, allow me to indulge as I tell more about the holiday, and why I’ve had a bit of a 180 on the importance of mother’s day.
Facts About Mother’s Day
When And Why Did Mother’s Day Begin?
It’s a no-brainer that the idea of celebrating and honoring the mother/mother-figures of your life is a tradition spanning the history of mankind. But the more commercialized idea of Mother’s Day is a much newer invention.
The poet best known for “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, Julia Ward Howe, advocated for a Mother’s Day to keep the peace, in a post-Civil War America. She had written a Mother’s Day proclamation that carries the same spirit as the song we all know and love.
At the turn of the century, the holiday became more formalized thanks to Anna Jarvis. She had advocated for a nationally recognized day, a request that President Woodrow Wilson established in 1914. Very quickly the holiday became the commercial success that we see today, something that Jarvis was not a fan of, but nonetheless the holiday continued.
The Business of Mother’s Day
Floral Industry Makes It Out On Top
One would think it’s Valentine’s Day where we see the highest sales in flowers, but noooooope. Not quite.
As of 2021, $28.1 billion is spent on gifts, dinners, and experiences for moms on Mother’s Day. More specifically, the holiday is consistently the best day for flower shops, with an average of $20.85 spent per shopper on flowers. And the most common flower? Carnations!
Restaurants Reap The Mother’s Day Benefits
Breakfast in bed is always a great choice for kicking off your second Sunday in May. After that, maybe it’s a good idea to treat your mom to a nice lunch or dinner out at her favorite restaurant. This is the thought process that makes Mother’s Day THE day to see success as a restaurant owner.
The reservation service Open Table released a study on the economics of Mother’s Day in restaurants, saying how in 2021 reservations are up 39% compared to 2019. That said, nearly half of those eating out will be attending brunch. Something to think about when making your Sunday plans.
Mother’s Day Is No “Minor” Holiday
All in all, Mother’s Day is a huge economic boom each year. Underneath all of the gift giving, breakfast in bed-ing, and restaurant attend-ing, there’s a sincere message of honoring and uplifting those in our lives who sacrifice so much for us, and want what is best for us. Something to keep in mind when you make a trip to snag those last-minute gifts and flowers (maybe to even support your favorite local boutique gift shop?).
