It’s a Woman’s World: Mother’s Day not just for moms anymore

The second Sunday in May has always been a special day for mothers across the country, and today, Mother’s Day even recognizes women outside the traditional role of mother.

Declared a national holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day has since become America’s most popular holiday, with 70 percent of American households celebrating the day. More than 150 million cards are exchanged in the United States alone, and Mother’s Day is one of the most popular gift-giving holidays, second only to Christmas.

While Mother’s Day’s popularity can be partially explained by its lack of affiliation with a specific religion, the evolving structure of American families has also made the holiday more inclusive in recent years.

With 35 million stepfamilies in the U.S. today, many children celebrate the holiday with both their mothers and their stepmothers, not to mention two sets of extended families. The diversity of American families opens up the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with many significant female figures.

Additionally, women themselves have helped to expand Mother’s Day celebrations by recognizing important women in their lives, even if they don’t fit the traditional mother role. According to Hallmark Research, women often exchange friendship cards with other women during this time of year. The well-wishes also extend to daughters, aunts, mothers of loved ones and other mother-like figures.

Extending thanks, for example, to your sister who just had a baby, your best friend who is like an aunt to your children or any other women who deserve recognition will be sure to brighten their day. Remember, just as Mother’s Day gives your family an opportunity to celebrate you, you can acknowledge and thank the important women in your life as well.