Mother’s Day Celebration in UK
Every year, millions of us show our appreciation for our wonderful mums by sending heartfelt cards and beautiful blooms on Mother’s Day. But how many of us actually take a moment to reflect on where this cherished tradition began?
The story behind Mother’s Day is steeped in rich and meaningful customs, and it’s truly heartwarming to explore how it all started.
Where did Mother’s Day come from?
The roots of Mother’s Day in the UK stretch all the way back to the 1500s. During this time, it became customary for people who had moved away from their local parish to journey home on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This return was to visit their ‘mother’ church, offer prayers to the Virgin Mary, and, most importantly, reunite with loved ones.
This day came to be known as Mothering Sunday, a time when families gathered for a traditional roast meal – often featuring veal or lamb – with mothers at the heart of the celebration, honoured as the guest of honour.
Looking even further into the past, we see that ancient civilisations also held springtime celebrations dedicated to maternal figures. The Greeks honoured Rhea, the mother of all gods and goddesses, while the Romans paid tribute to their mother goddess, Cybele, each March. These early rituals likely helped shape the customs we observe in Britain today.
Why does Mother’s Day fall on a different date each year?
Mother’s Day in the UK doesn’t have a fixed date—it moves each year because it’s tied to the Christian calendar, specifically the season of Lent.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. Once the date for Easter is determined, Mother’s Day is marked exactly three Sundays before it. That’s why it can feel like it “jumps around” on the calendar from one year to the next.
Why is Mother’s Day on a different date in the UK than in the US?
If you've ever felt a moment of panic scrolling through social media and seeing Mother’s Day messages when the UK isn’t celebrating, you're not alone! That’s because different countries observe the occasion at different times—and for different reasons.
Here in the UK, as well as in Ireland and Nigeria, we continue to honour Mothering Sunday, which has roots in church traditions. For us, it’s closely linked to the Christian observance of Lent, and that’s why our date is unique.
In contrast, the American version of Mother’s Day came about through a different path. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday to honour mothers, inspired by the tireless efforts of Anna Jarvis.
Anna was deeply moved by her own mother’s commitment to social causes during the American Civil War. After her mother passed away, Anna devoted herself to creating a day to celebrate the sacrifices and love of mothers everywhere. She famously described a mother as “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”
Sadly, Anna became disheartened when Mother’s Day became increasingly commercialised. She was especially critical of mass-produced greeting cards, feeling they lacked the personal touch. She even tried, unsuccessfully, to have the holiday abolished. Anna passed away in 1948, and fittingly, she was laid to rest beside her beloved mother in Philadelphia.
During World War II, American and Canadian troops introduced their version of Mother’s Day to Britain. Over time, our own customs blended with theirs, giving rise to the more modern, widely recognised celebration we now know—though still firmly rooted in our own traditions.
Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts Children Will Love Making
Creating something by hand with your child is a lovely way to celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s not just about the finished gift—it’s about the special time spent together making memories. Here are a couple of heart-warming ideas that are easy to do at home, even with little hands helping.
Hand-Painted Wooden Keepsake Boxes
This charming craft is perfect for little ones and results in a practical, thoughtful gift Mum can use to store jewellery or trinkets.
What you’ll need:
Small plain wooden boxes (readily available at craft shops)
Paint in colours of your choice
Decorative knobs or nautical-style buttons
Craft glue or a small hand drill (with supervision)
How to make them:
Begin by painting the lid and sides of the wooden box. Encourage your child to be creative—patterns, flowers, or even fingerprints make it truly unique.
Let the paint dry fully.
Paint the decorative knob or button and allow it to dry.
If using a button, stick it to the lid with glue. For knobs or drawer pulls, make a small hole in the lid and secure it with the screw and nut provided (adult help required for this step).
The result is a personalised keepsake box that Mum will treasure—hand-decorated with love and care.
2. Self-Portrait Keepsake
This sentimental art project combines creativity with a personal touch, and the final result is something Mum can proudly display at home.
What you’ll need:
A photo of your child (ideally sized around 8” x 10”)
A sheet of sturdy drawing paper
Glue dots or glue stick
Colouring pencils, crayons, or felt tips
A picture frame
How to make it:
Print and cut the photo vertically down the middle.
Stick one half of the photo onto one side of the paper.
Invite your child to complete the other half by drawing the missing side of their face and background using their imagination.
Once finished, place the artwork in a frame.
3. Sweetheart Cookie Keepsake Box
A homemade treat becomes even more special when presented in a decorated keepsake box made with love.
You’ll need:
Plain wooden boxes (available from most craft stores)
Paints in Mum’s favourite colours
Decorative sticky-back plastic (contact paper) with fun patterns or textures
How to make it:
Let your child decorate the outside of the box using cut-out shapes from the contact paper.
Add their own flair with painted designs, dots, or scribbles—whatever feels right to them.
Once dry, fill the box with a few homemade biscuits or chocolates for an added surprise.
It’s a heartfelt way to say “I love you” with a gift that can be kept and reused again and again.
4. Love-Filled Paper Flowers
These vibrant, heart-shaped blooms are a lovely alternative to real flowers—and they’ll never wilt!
You’ll need:
Coloured card
Heart and circle-shaped craft punches
Craft glue
A straight pin or needle (adults to assist)
Cloth-covered floral wire
A small wooden spool
Ribbon and buttons for decoration
How to make it:
Use the circle punch to cut out the flower centre and carefully make a small hole in the middle with the pin.
Punch five heart shapes and fold each one lengthwise to form petals.
Glue the petals around the centre circle, leaving the hole clear.
Thread the floral wire through a button (to act as the flower centre), twist to secure, and then poke the other end of the wire through the centre hole to complete the flower.
Pop your finished flowers into a ribbon-wrapped spool to create a pretty homemade vase.
These charming flowers are full of character and love—perfect for brightening Mum’s day.
5. Stitched with Love: Handmade Heart Card
A handmade card stitched with care is a beautiful way for your child to express their love and appreciation.
You’ll need:
Coloured card or cardstock
Scissors
Sticky tape
Hole punch or blunt embroidery needle
Plastic needle safe for children
Soft, colourful yarn
How to make it:
Fold the card in half to create the card base.
Cut out a paper heart to use as a template and lightly tape it onto the front of the card.
Carefully punch holes along the outline of the heart (lay the card flat for best results), then remove the template.
Thread the yarn through the plastic needle, tie a knot at one end, and show your child how to “sew” through the holes, creating their own stitched heart.
Once they’ve finished, knot the yarn on the inside of the card and trim any excess.
This heartfelt creation is sure to become a keepsake Mum will cherish for years to come.
6. Personalised Clay Trinket Dish
These little dishes are not only useful for keeping rings or earrings safe but also serve as a lovely reminder of the love and effort that went into making them.
You’ll need:
White air-drying clay
Greaseproof paper
A rolling pin
A small bowl of water
Stamps (lettered or patterned)
Ink pad
A tiny amount of cooking oil
Cotton buds
How to make it:
Gently knead the clay for a minute or two, then place it on a sheet of greaseproof paper and roll it out until it’s around 3mm thick.
Use a damp finger or a small bit of water to smooth the surface, and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Lightly brush a thin layer of cooking oil over the area where you’ll place your stamp—this stops it from sticking.
Ink your chosen stamp and press it gently but firmly into the clay.
Wipe away any leftover oil with a cotton bud.
Carefully shape the edges upward to form a shallow dish—your child can press it over the base of a bowl to help with the shape.
Leave to dry completely on a flat surface for 48–72 hours.
These little pots make perfect catch-alls for jewellery, keys, or even spare change—and they’re all the more special for being handmade.
7. Edible Fruit Bouquet
This cheerful, healthy “bouquet” is both beautiful and delicious—and it’s sure to bring a smile to Mum’s face.
You’ll need:
A selection of fresh fruit (melon, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes all work wonderfully)
Flower-shaped cookie cutters
Wooden skewers or craft sticks
A small vase or mason jar
Optional: Decorative shredded paper or faux grass
How to make it:
Slice the fruit into pieces thick enough to cut, then use cookie cutters to press out flower shapes.
Add a berry or grape half to the middle of each fruit “flower” to create a colourful centre.
Thread each piece onto a wooden skewer and arrange them in your chosen vase.
For a finishing touch, add shredded tissue or faux grass to the base to help support the skewers and create a lush bouquet look.
This fresh and fruity gift is as fun to make as it is to eat—and a brilliant alternative to traditional flowers.
Thoughtful and Creative Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts—it’s about making meaningful memories and expressing love in heartfelt ways. Here are a few simple yet powerful ideas that can help you connect as a family and show appreciation in ways that truly matter.
1. Write a heartfelt letter to your mum or mother-in-law
Sometimes, the most precious gift is a few kind words. If your mum or mother-in-law values verbal affirmation, take a moment to write her a personal letter or thoughtful email. Share what you admire about her, mention specific memories or life lessons she’s taught you, and let her know how much her presence means to your family. You might also include a favourite quote, poem, or verse that reminds you of her strength and grace.
2. Pen a note of love and encouragement to each of your children
While children often hear “I love you,” it’s deeply moving to hear exactly why they’re loved. Consider writing a short letter to each of your little ones, pointing out the qualities that make them unique. Highlight the kind, brave, or generous things you’ve seen them do recently, and reflect on how proud you are to see them grow into themselves. It’s a beautiful way to affirm their value and nurture their hearts.
3. Get outdoors for a family garden tidy-up
Spring is the perfect time to breathe life back into the garden. Why not turn it into a family activity? Everyone can lend a hand—whether it’s pulling up weeds, sweeping the patio, or giving the flowerbeds a little TLC. It doesn’t need to be perfect; the focus is on doing something together. Best of all, Mum gets to enjoy a spruced-up space without lifting a finger!
4. Arrange a Family Photo Session
Capture this season of life with a family photo shoot. Choose outfits that complement each other—nothing too matchy, just coordinated and comfortable. Head to a location that holds meaning for your family, whether that’s a quiet woodland path, a favourite beach, or even the garden where you’ve spent sunny afternoons. You can book a professional photographer or simply set up your phone with a timer. The aim is to preserve those precious moments as they are right now.
5. Enjoy a Cosy Family Film Evening
Rather than opting for the latest film release, make it a night to look back. Dust off old home videos—from your own childhood or from when your little ones were tiny. Watching these clips together is a lovely way to reflect on how far you've come as a family. Don’t forget the popcorn—and perhaps a few tissues for those heartwarming, tear-jerking moments.
6. Revisit Family Memories with Photo Albums
Take a quiet moment to sit together and flick through family photo albums. Share stories from when you were young, or recall the joy and chaos of family holidays and first milestones. It’s a gentle, grounding activity that can bring generations closer and remind everyone just how cherished they are.
7. Put Together a Personalised Music Playlist
Music has a beautiful way of stirring memories and emotions. Why not create a playlist filled with songs that remind you of your mum? Include her favourite sing-along tracks, tunes from her younger days, and even songs she used to play around the house when you were little. For a fun twist, add a nostalgic children’s theme tune she’ll remember from your early years—like the Postman Pat or Blue Peter theme. Better yet, this can be a wonderful activity for your own children to do for you!
8. Collect Video Messages from Loved Ones
Surprise Mum with a heartfelt compilation of video messages from the people who know and love her best. Reach out to friends and family—invite them to record a short clip sharing what makes her so special. It might be how she’s always there with a listening ear, how she volunteers her time to help others, or a memory of how she once made a real difference in someone’s life. These touching reflections might reveal just how deeply she’s impacted those around her—perhaps in ways she’s never realised.
9. Start a Family Gratitude Journal
Who says thankfulness is only for autumn? Mother’s Day is the perfect moment to begin a family gratitude journal. Ask each family member to jot down a few heartfelt lines about what they appreciate most about Mum—or Grandma. These could be read aloud over breakfast or during a special meal together. It’s a simple but powerful gesture that can warm her heart and become a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Wrapping Up
Mother’s Day in the UK is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the women who nurture, inspire, and guide us. Whether you're embracing its rich historical roots, crafting a thoughtful homemade gift, or planning meaningful moments together as a family, the essence of the day remains the same: showing love and appreciation in the most genuine way possible.
However you choose to honour Mum—be it through words, memories, or simple acts of kindness—remember that it’s the intention and love behind each gesture that means the most. At its heart, Mother’s Day is about connection, gratitude, and cherishing the incredible people who shape our lives. So this year, take the time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary women at the heart of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does Mother’s Day change date every year in the UK?
Mother’s Day in the UK is linked to the Christian calendar and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which varies each year based on the date of Easter.
2. Is Mothering Sunday the same as Mother’s Day?
Yes, in the UK, Mother’s Day is traditionally known as Mothering Sunday. Though it has religious origins, it’s now widely celebrated as a day to honour mums and maternal figures.
3. Why is Mother’s Day celebrated on a different date in the US?
The US celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. It was established in 1914 as a secular holiday, separate from the UK’s religious-based Mothering Sunday.
4. What are some meaningful ways children can celebrate Mother’s Day?
Children can make handmade gifts, create cards, share a gratitude letter, or help with a special breakfast or tidy-up. Simple, heartfelt actions often mean the most.
5. Can we celebrate Mother’s Day if our mum is no longer with us?
Absolutely. Many families honour mothers who’ve passed away by sharing memories, visiting a special place, or doing something meaningful in their memory.
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