What Day is Mother's Day This Year?

In the United States, Mother’s Day is the day people show appreciation to the wonderful mothers in their lives. While the concept has been around for hundreds of years, Mother’s Day didn’t become an officially scheduled holiday until 1914. On May 8 of that year, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation that gave Mother’s Day its place on the calendar. Over time, the day rose to prominence, making it the special occasion it is today. However, it changes from year to year so it can be confusing. What day is Mother’s Day this year? Here’s what you need to know.

What Day is Mother’s Day This Year?

Mother’s Day is the second Sunday of May. In 2019, that means Mother’s Day will be on Sunday, May 12.

Since the holiday is always on a Sunday, the actual date changes nearly every year. In 2020, Mother’s Day is on May 10. For 2021, it will fall on May 9.

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Here is a look at the dates that Mother’s Day will fall on over the next 10 years:

Mother’s Day 2019: May 12
Mother’s Day 2020: May 10
Mother’s Day 2021: May 9
Mother’s Day 2022: May 8
Mother’s Day 2023: May 14
Mother’s Day 2024: May 12
Mother’s Day 2025: May 11
Mother’s Day 2026: May 10
Mother’s Day 2027: May 9
Mother’s Day 2028: May 14

Is Mother’s Day a Federal Holiday?

No, Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday. However, since it does fall on a Sunday, most government agencies – including at the federal, state, and local levels – are usually closed that day.

The only exception tends to be agencies that deal with public safety. For example, police officers are always on duty, and TSA workers are present whenever an airport is operational.

What Is Closed on Mother’s Day?

By and large, retailers are open on Mother’s Day. This includes popular stores like Walmart and Costco as well as gas stations, grocery stores, and chain restaurants.

The only exceptions are locations that close on Sundays all year—they will likely close on Mother’s Day since it is part of their regular operating schedule. Similarly, since banks, U.S. stock markets, and the post office are closed on Sundays, they won’t open on Mother’s Day.

Small businesses, including stores and restaurants that aren’t part of a chain, may or may not open on Mother’s Day. If you want to head to one of those locations on Mother’s Day, it is wise to call ahead and make sure they are open.

Mother’s Day in Other Countries

While the United States celebrates Mother’s Day in May, not every country does. For example, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is three weeks before Easter, so this year, it fell on March 31 in 2019.

In France, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 26, 2019, as it is usually celebrated on the last Sunday of the month. However, if Mother’s Day in France would fall on Whit (Pentecost) Sunday, Mother’s Day is moved to the first Sunday in June.

Do you celebrate Mother’s Day? Tell us how you recognize the mothers in your life (or yourself) in the comments below.

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Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.