Mother Knows Best

Mother’s Day is a perfect day to show that we can all be different yet find common ground to unite, reflect, and celebrate. One of the commonalities we have is a sense of gratitude and respect for the mother figures who helped shape our lives. Although we celebrate on different days, it has been inspiring to see the similarities and differences in traditions among the cultures that our team represents.  

In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th every year, regardless of the day of the week. The celebrations are rooted in the Catholic tradition, with many churches offering special services that pay homage to mothers. It is customary to start the day early, waking up loved ones with a song and a cooked meal. In fact, Mother’s Day is one of the busiest times for restaurants in a culture where food is heavily correlated with love.

- Hilia Espinosa Puga from our Mexico office shared, “What I have learned from my mother and want to show Valentina, my daughter, is that no matter how difficult your life has been, how much suffering you have gone through, accept it, change what you can change, keep your smile and your Faith, and keep going.” 

In Canada and the US, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and isn’t an official public holiday, but most families celebrate it. The holiday as we know it can be traced back to 1870 when a Boston woman named Julia Ward Howe called for an annual celebration. Although it didn’t gain much traction initially, another woman named Anna Jarvis picked up the idea. After her private gathering in West Virginia, organized church services soon attracted nearly 500 people. In 1912 Anna founded the Mother’s Day International Association. 

- Alli Twitchell from our Canada office says Canadian celebrations are similar to the US, with family meals and flowers. Alli tells her boys, "Nice is a way you act, but kindness comes from your heart. Be kind.” 

- Danny Kaplan from our US office reflects on his mother’s advice. "Everything happens for a reason. That reason causes change. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it's hard, but in the end it's all for the best." advice. 

- Lori Lite from our US office celebrates Mother’s Day with an outdoor family brunch. “Now that some of our moms are no longer with us, we include them by displaying their photos on the table.” 

Although the US holiday gained popularity across the world, the UK was the first country to have a dedicated observance, dating back to the 1600s. On this “Mothering Sunday,” children who were sent away to work were able to come home to spend time with their mothers. This day was a part of the Lenten season, falling on the 4th Sunday of Lent, March 14th this year. Today, the celebrations are very similar to the US and Canada. 

- Chris Schutte from our UK office shared how his mom showed him that "a woman's job never ends!"

- Jean Ballard from our US office spent time reflecting. “My mom doesn't say this. She does way more than this – she consistently models an attitude of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. When she has an unproductive thought, she says to herself, ‘cancel, cancel,’ and she moves on, as she has daily for 80 years and counting.” 

Mother’s Day grew to what we know it today - a day to shower mother figures with cards, flowers, and gratitude as a token of appreciation for their selflessness and love.No matter what day or how you choose to celebrate, take a moment to be grateful for the women around you. I am sure that one of them gave you advice that has helped shape your life - what words of wisdom have stuck with you?