Poll shows US mothers are priceless

On May 13, most of the 83 million mothers in the US will enjoy treats, pampering and appreciation from their grateful children. Mother's Day is celebrated

around the world, although it has different origins and meanings in different places. In the US, it all started in 1868 when social activist Anna Jarvis

wanted to set up 'Mother's Friendship Day' to reunite families and friends separated by the Civil War. The concept was continued by her daughter, Anna Marie,

to honour mothers everywhere through quiet reflection and prayer. Her successful campaigns led to Mother's Day being held an official holiday across the

States.

However, in less than a decade, Anna Marie Jarvis was horrified by how commercialised the day had become, and she spent the rest of her life fighting this

'Hallmark Holiday'. A recent poll suggests that despite this, many in the US today remain sympathetic to its original conception. Almost one-third (28%) of

respondents give their mothers thoughtful but non- monetary gifts on Mother’s Day, such as letters, phone calls or hand-made gifts.

Still, a fair majority- two-thirds of respondents- spend money on their moms. However, the poll indicated that, although 33% of those that spent money kept

it to under $30, 22% splurged on between $40-$100. Total Mother’s Day spending in the US was estimated to have topped $16 billion last year. Husbands and

sons tend to spoil mom the most, splurging out on new electronic gadgets. Restaurant sales also tend to boom on Mother’s Day; in fact, it's the most popular

day of the year to dine out.

It's also a big day for getting in touch. In the poll, 40% of respondents said they plan to meet up with their moms in person to celebrate (31% live within

30 minutes away), and another 25% said they plan to call. VIP Communications, a provider of international calling service, found that last year, global calls

increased nearly 40% from a normal day.

For others, Mother’s Day is just another Sunday. 32% of respondents said that they don’t celebrate Mother’s day with their mothers, and 32% said they don’t

call, celebrate or meet with their moms at all. But a closer look suggests that most of these respondents have a good excuse: 72% of them are over the age

of 50, so it's likely that their mothers are deceased. For these, perhaps a look through the photo album or fresh flowers at the cemetery would serve as

tribute to their mothers.

Mother’s Day is still an important way to honour moms. It ranks number two (right behind Christmas) as the most popular holiday to purchase flowers,

accounting for one-fourth of the floral purchases all year.

Regardless of age, gender or proximity, reward surveys clearly show that most family members across

the country will be hitting the stores, picking up the phone or sending flowers to show mom how much they care.

Sean Burke - About Author:
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote,

but should be considered professional content.

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/women-articles/poll-shows-us-mothers-are-priceless.htm

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