Celebrating Mother’s Day: Traditions, Stories, and Recipes

Ryan Abramson from Bucks County PA organizing a Mothers Day Brunch in Langhorne
Mother's Day Heading Photo for Ryan Abramson Blog

🌸 What is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is a special holiday dedicated to honoring moms, grandmothers, and maternal figures for all the love, care, and sacrifices they give throughout the year. It’s a day to say thank you—to show appreciation through words, gifts, time, and hugs.

Each year, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States. In 2025, it fell on Sunday, May 11, and for me, it was a day filled with warmth, tradition, and the aroma of home-cooked food right here in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.


🕰️ A Quick History of Mother’s Day

The roots of Mother’s Day go back centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans had festivals celebrating mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. In the 1600s, “Mothering Sunday” emerged in England as a Christian tradition, when people returned to their “mother church” and visited family.

However, Mother’s Day as we know it began in the U.S. thanks to Anna Jarvis. In 1908, she held a memorial for her mother, a peace activist, and began pushing for a national holiday. Her efforts paid off. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Interestingly, Anna later became upset with the commercialism of the holiday she helped create. Her original intention was simple: a heartfelt tribute to mothers.


📊 Mother’s Day by the Numbers

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest holidays in the U.S. in terms of spending and participation. Here are some eye-opening statistics from the National Retail Federation and Statista:

  • $33.5 billion is projected to be spent on Mother’s Day in 2025.
  • 84% of Americans say they celebrate Mother’s Day.
  • The average person spends around $275 on gifts.
  • Top gift categories include:
    • Flowers 💐 (75%)
    • Greeting cards 💌 (74%)
    • Special outings like brunch or dinner 🍽️ (60%)
    • Jewelry 💎 (40%)
    • Gift cards 🎁 (45%)

And while flowers and cards remain popular, homemade experiences—like breakfast or a handwritten note—are increasingly cherished. That’s exactly how I chose to celebrate Mother’s Day 2025.


🏡 My Mother’s Day 2025 in Langhorne, PA

Ryan Abramson at home in front of a table with food with his sister and mother.

This year, I had the honor of hosting Mother’s Day at my home in Langhorne, Bucks County. It was a beautiful spring morning. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the kitchen was already warm with the smell of coffee brewing.

Joining me were two very important women in my life—my mom and my sister. We shared stories, laughed, and most importantly, we connected without the distractions of the outside world. No fancy restaurant or crowded brunch spot could compare.

And yes, I cooked the entire Mother’s Day breakfast from scratch.


🍳 The Mother’s Day Breakfast Menu

Let’s be honest: few things say “I love you” like a homemade meal.

For Mother’s Day 2025, I made Breakfast Egg and Potato Muffins, inspired by a recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen. These muffins were flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a celebratory brunch.

Here’s how I made them:

Ingredients:

  • Fresh shredded potatoes (I did this by hand for that rustic texture)
  • Pre-cooked breakfast sausage crumbles
  • Crispy bacon, chopped
  • Red and green bell peppers, finely sliced
  • Chopped onions
  • Shredded Vermont cheddar cheese
  • Scrambled eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. greased cupcake pans generously with olive oil spray.
  2. I pressed a nest of shredded potatoes into each cupcake well to create a crispy base.
  3. Then came layers: first bacon, then sausage, followed by the veggies and cheese.
  4. I carefully poured in the egg mixture, filling each cup just below the top.
  5. Finally, I baked them at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

The result? Fluffy, savory muffins with crispy edges and melty cheese inside. The colors of the peppers added brightness, and every bite was balanced and satisfying. These were served alongside:

  • Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, and melon)
  • Fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • Hot coffee with cream and sugar options

The best part? Seeing my mom’s eyes light up when she took that first bite.


💐 Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World

While the U.S. has its own customs, Mother’s Day is a global celebration with rich traditions:

  • United Kingdom: Celebrated in March as “Mothering Sunday.” Many attend church and enjoy a meal at home.
  • Mexico: May 10 is always Mother’s Day, regardless of the day of the week. Families serenade moms with live music and host large parties.
  • Japan: Children give red carnations, symbolizing purity and love.
  • Ethiopia: Families sing, dance, and celebrate with a multi-day feast called Antrosht.
  • Thailand: Celebrated in August on the birthday of Queen Sirikit. There are parades and public events honoring mothers.

In every culture, food, time, and love are common threads.


📝 Simple Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Whether you go all-out or keep it low-key, here are some simple ideas for celebrating Mom:

1. Cook Her Favorite Meal

Even if you’re not a chef, a homemade dish speaks volumes. Find a recipe, give it your best shot, and plate it with care.

2. Write a Handwritten Note

Tell her what she means to you. Be specific. A note can be more powerful than any gift.

3. Give Her the Day Off

Do the chores, handle the errands, and let her relax. That alone can feel like a luxury.

4. Plan a Walk or Picnic

Sometimes a peaceful walk in nature or a picnic in the park is the perfect way to spend time together.

5. Share a Memory

Talk about a time when she really made an impact on your life. Reminisce, laugh, and reflect.


💖 Why Mother’s Day Still Matters

In a busy world filled with deadlines, distractions, and digital everything, Mother’s Day gives us a reason to pause. To say thank you. To honor the women who shaped our hearts and continue to influence our paths.

It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts.

It’s about love.

It’s about time.

It’s about showing up.

Ryan Abramson with mom in Langhorne, PA

✍️ Final Thoughts

Mother’s Day 2025 was one of the most fulfilling days I’ve had in a long time. Hosting it at my home in Langhorne reminded me that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And when you fill that space with good food, laughter, and the people you love most, you’ve created something truly special.

Whether it’s through a homemade breakfast, a simple hug, or just being present—honoring our mothers is one of the most meaningful things we can do.

And if you’re looking for a delicious way to start next year’s celebration, you can find the egg muffin recipe right here.


💬 What Did You Do for Mother’s Day?

I’d love to hear how you celebrated! Whether it was a backyard brunch, a day at the spa, or just a heartfelt phone call—drop a comment and share your story.

Until next year, Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there. 💐

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