Mothering Sunday (UK)
Although it is often called Mothers’ Day, it is not the same holiday-nor does it share the same origins-as the American Mother’s Day.

In England, Mothering Sunday has a church-based origin. Most English churchgoers attend the nearest parish to their home, which is colloquially referred to as their “daughter church”. Historically, it was considered important for people to return to their “mother church”-either the church they grew up in or the main Cathedral in their area-at least once during the year. It became customary, therefore, that people would make this return visit on the forth Sunday of Lent…

…Historically, children would give their mothers small gifts on Mothering Sunday-usually wild flowers they picked on the way to church. Today, much like in the American version of Mother’s Day, children give presents, flowers, and cards to their mums.*

* The Story of Mothering Sunday in the UK

photo credit: via flickr

International Women’s Day
Today is a day dedicated to all women, especially working women. Celebrated on the anniversary of the 1857 march by female garment workers in New York, this day also marks the first international conference of women, held in Finland in 1910.

Mother-in-Law Day
Is it Halloween already???

Ok seriously folks – the last Sunday of October is set aside to honor mother-in-laws and their help, love, and contributions to the family.

image credit: via flickr

Today the White House released the official portrait of the First Family. Annie Leibovitz was the photographer.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, sit for a family portrait in the Green Room of the White House, Sept. 1, 2009. (Official White House Photo)

photo credit: The Official White House Photostream via flickr

World Menopause Day
Join in the international call to make menopausal health a principal research issue. In addition to the unpleasant side effects often associated with menopause, this life-changing event also triggers the onset of higher rates of osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer and other diseases.

Parent’s Day
A day for honoring and paying tribute to the men and women who bring love, stability and strength to the family and the country.

All hail the ‘rents!

photo credit: via flickr

Father & Daughter Take a Walk Day
With the beautiful weather outside now is the perfect time to take a father / daughter walk. Just the two of you.

Enjoy the beauty of the summer and the enjoyment of each other. Because before too long you’ll find yourself walking with her one last time; down the aisle.

photo credit: via flickr

Crowded Nest Awareness Day
Remember when the kids went away for college and then moved on with their lives, never to return again? Well not any more!

And with the ecomnomic realities of life these days, more and more of our big “little ones” are returning to the “empty nest.” And sometimes with a significant other and their own “little ones” too! Oy!

So today’s the day to bring awareness as well as to offer support for those suffering parents.

Happy Mother's Day!

Holidays on the Net is delighted to invite you to join our celebration of motherhood, Mother’s Day on the Net. Come learn about the history of Mother’s Day in America, and then discover how moms around the world are celebrated. For example, did you know that British mums were honored a few weeks ago during Mothering Sunday?

Speaking of “did you know?”, be sure to check out our fun-filled article on the facts, figures and folklore of motherhood and Mother’s Day. At Holidays on the Net, you can also discover the special way in which Americans pay tribute to bereaved military moms (hint: it’s during the September holiday of Gold Star Mother's Day)

If you want to make Mother’s Day an extra-special celebration of your one-of-a-kind mom, we have plenty of resources for you. For example, check out our Guide to Mother’s Day Gifts, where we offer a trove of creative gift ideas for all kinds of moms — and all kinds of budgets. If homemade gifts are more your style, don’t miss our step-by-step instructions to Mother’s Day crafts. Simpler yet, help your children create personalized homemade Mother’s Day cards by using one of our mom-themed coloring pictures.

Or, how about making mom the best treat of all?! Breakfast in bed. (And don’t forget the clean-up! Nothing says, “I appreciate you” like a sparkling sink!) If you no longer live at home, you can still drop off a basket of mouthwatering muffins at her front door!

If you find yourself at a loss for words about dear-old Mom this Mother’s Day, Holidays on the Net can help. Read the inspirational proclamations of past U.S. presidents, who annually share their thoughts on the pivotal role that moms play in raising up our nation. Or simply let Holidays on the Net find the words for you, by sending one of our free e-cards.

Mother’s Day 2009 will be celebrated on Sunday May 10th. We can’t wait to share this special occasion with all of you, so be sure to stop by!

Happy Holidays,
Louie & the Holiday Elves
Holidays on the Net

Did You Know?
May 10

Its Mother’s Day!

Thanks for joining us for our countdown to Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day,
louie and the holiday elves

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