Creating Special Memories|Creating Special Memories

Mother’s Day in Canada is a beautiful way to celebrate and appreciate mothers in your life (mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and family friends). And it’s a great time to create special memories with children. It’s a special and important day to wish Happy Mother’s Day to all moms and show gratitude and honour. For immigrants celebrating this special day for the first time in Canada, it’s even more meaningful.

When is Mother’s Day?

Over the centuries, there have been many celebrations of motherhood and mothers around the world. Canada’s Mother’s Day goes back to 1907 when American school teacher Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day in honour of her late mother. 

Since 1915, Canadians have celebrated this special day. It is not a holiday that people can take off from work, but always falls on the second sunday of May. This year, it’s on Sunday, May 12th, 2024!

Children create handmade gifts & cards, present their mothers with flowers, and cook special breakfasts on that day. In kindergarten, teachers begin to teach them about this special day by helping them make gifts and discussing ideas for celebration. 

Both spellings of Mom and Mum are acceptable in Canada. The American version is “Mom”The British version is also popular “Mum”It is also common. There are also variations such as Maman, Mommy and Mumzee. 

To make this day extra special, grown children spend time with their mothers. There isn’t a single recipe that works for everyone. It depends on your family traditions.

My Experience

Immigrants parents are not always in the best of situations, especially after their children begin to attend school in Canada. It is not easy for immigrant parents to adjust to the Canadian school system. They have to learn all the rules of school, both spoken and unspoken. They also need to help their children do their homework and make sure their friends are welcome. All of this can make the first few years in Canada challenging.

Not all countries celebrate Mother’s Day, or they celebrate it differently.

I came from Europe, where the nearest holiday was International Women’s DayOn March 8th, children present their mothers with flowers and cards. On this day children also give their mothers flowers and cards.

My First Mother’s Day in Canada

My children were in their first year of school when I immigrated to Canada 15 years ago. I was overwhelmed with school & social requirements, parent responsibilities, helping kids to get through each day, and trying to make their transition to the new country as smooth as possible.

How wonderful and sweet was my first Mother’s Day. My children made me beautiful cards and tried to make a special meal. I was touched, as any mother would. 

Since then, there have been many celebrations. My children are now grown-up, so we spend our holidays together doing something special. We’ll go on a hike, visit the art gallery, or have a picnic on one of Vancouver’s beaches, weather permitting. They still make beautiful, treasured cards for me. 

As a child, I also adopted this tradition. Every year, I spend a special time on Skype with my mother in Europe. My mother says that this is the most beautiful tradition, reflecting Canadian culture and family ties.

This celebration has a special meaning for immigrant mothers. As an immigrant mum, it can be a challenging experience. Being part of the celebration reflects your successful integration into Canadian life, its traditions and society. It is a wonderful feeling. 

Wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all moms! And, if this is your first Mom’s Day in Canada, enjoy this beautiful tradition. Create special memories to cherish with your children and the mothers in your life.

Related Posts

Five Popular Book Series You and Your Children Should Read

Schooling in Canada – A look at the education system| A Look at the Education System

Statutory holidays in Canada | A Guide for Newcomers

Is Family Day in Canada a Statutory Holiday

Settling in Canada with Confidence & Ease