Thursday

"I honor the care I give and the care I receive."

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The history of Mother’s Day

• Unique ways to celebrate mom

• Our favorite Mother’s Day finds

• Mother’s Day traditions around the world

The Real Story Behind Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day didn’t start with flowers or brunch plans. Early versions of the holiday were rooted in something much bigger: community care, public health, and even calls for peace.

In the late 1800s, women like Ann Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Work Clubs” to improve sanitation and care for families. Around the same time, Julia Ward Howe proposed a day for women to unite against war and promote peace.

The version recognized today came later. Anna Jarvis created Mother’s Day in 1914 to honor her own mother, encouraging handwritten letters and personal gratitude over gifts.

Over time, the holiday shifted. What was meant to be a thoughtful, personal day became more commercial, something Jarvis openly pushed back against.

It’s a quiet reminder that even familiar traditions can carry more meaning than expected.

Simple Ideas to Make Mother’s Day Special

Mother’s Day has a way of sneaking up, and it’s easy to fall back on the usual plan. But the best days tend to be the ones that feel a little more thoughtful, a little more specific, and a lot more like her.

• Build the day around her personality: Skip the generic brunch if it’s not her thing. Plan a day that mirrors what she actually enjoys, whether that’s a slow morning, time outside, or a favorite show at night.

• Cook (and fully take over): Make her a meal from start to finish, no asking where things are, no cleanup help required. Bonus points for recreating a family recipe.

• Do something hands-on together: A craft day, plant shopping, or even reorganizing a space she’s been meaning to tackle can turn into quality time that feels productive and fun.

• Create a nostalgic moment: Revisit a place you used to go, rewatch a movie you both love, or scroll through old photos and actually talk about them.

• Plan a mini outing or future trip: It doesn’t have to be big. Even planning something for later, like a weekend away or a local class, gives you both something to look forward to.

• Capture the moment: Take updated family photos, even if it’s just on a phone with a timer. These tend to matter more over time than expected.

• Write something real: A handwritten note with specific memories or appreciation will always outlast a quick text.

It doesn’t have to be over the top. It just has to feel intentional.

Our Favorite Mother’s Day Finds

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to mean overthinking the perfect gift. The best ones are often the things she’ll actually use and appreciate every day. This year’s picks focus on comfort, care, and small upgrades that make daily life feel a little easier:

• 💚 Paleovalley: A simple way to support everyday wellness. Their 100% Grass Fed Bone Broth Protein is collagen-rich, easy to mix into coffee or smoothies, and designed to support energy, digestion, and more. Get 15% off automatically.

• 🖼️ Canvas Discount: Turn a favorite photo into a custom canvas print she’ll see every day. A personal, easy way to create something meaningful. Use code BESTMOM for up to 20% off.

• 🐶 Maxbone: An easy way to upgrade mealtime for dogs. Their freeze-dried food delivers the nutrition of fresh food with the ease of kibble. Get 40% off your first subscription plus free shipping.

• 🌿 Aera: A safe and easy way to keep a home smelling fresh. Odor-fighting diffusers designed to transform, not mask, everyday smells. Through 5/4 only, get 25% off selected bundles and sets.

• 🍳 HexClad: Hybrid cookware built to last. Dishwasher safe, PFAS-free, and designed to handle everyday cooking without wear and tear. Get up to 49% off through May 11.

Looking for more ideas? Shop the full Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Thank you to Mother’s Day Gift Guide for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How Different Cultures Celebrate Their Moms

Mother’s Day in the U.S. usually follows a familiar rhythm: flowers, cards, maybe breakfast in bed. But around the world, the holiday takes on different meanings, shaped by culture, history, and tradition.

In India, celebrations connected to Durga Puja honor a mother goddess through days of gathering, cooking, and reconnecting with family. In Ethiopia, families reunite after the rainy season for a multi-day celebration filled with shared meals, singing, and storytelling.

In Japan, the tradition is more understated. Carnations are the classic gift, often paired with a simple note of appreciation. In the United Kingdom, “Mothering Sunday” has roots in returning home, with traditions like baking and spending time together.

In France, the holiday became official in the early 20th century and is often marked with family meals and symbolic desserts shaped like flowers. Across each of these traditions, the way people celebrate may look different, but the intention feels familiar.

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Mother’s Day is one of the biggest holidays for flower sales in the U.S. Second only to Valentine’s Day.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It can be quiet, simple, and still full of love.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!