MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—”THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
“Happy Mother’s Day!” someone said to me loudly as we were walking out of the church service on Sunday.
Several American men standing around gasped and frantically looked around the room, as if to say, “Oops!” A few children quickly whispered to their mothers, “Happy Mother’s Day!”
We may live in Spain, but at least someone remembered that it was Mother’s Day in the U.S. and in Canada last Sunday.
Most global holidays fall on the same dates in different countries. New Year’s Day, Christmas, Easter, etc . . . all the big ones line up.
However, I have discovered—the hard way—that not all holidays fall on the same day around the world.
One holiday, in particular, almost always gets me in trouble, and not only me, but also a lot of fathers and children around the world.
Mother’s Day!
Be Careful!
You would think that I would remember, but I don’t.
“Happy Mother’s Day” my Spanish friend texted me two Sundays ago, May 4.
I had no idea it was Mother’s Day in Spain, and no one in my family seemed to know either.
Then, I turned to my husband, “Is it Mother’s Day in France this Sunday too?”
“I don’t know.”
My mother-in-law passed away last February, but I still want to remember her on Mother’s Day.
Depending on where I’m living at the time, if I’m not careful, I can easily miss wishing one of my mothers a “Happy Mother’s Day.”
My mom and my stepmom live in the U.S., but my mother-in-law lived in France. I needed to closely follow the dates in both countries if I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
It’s important for me to celebrate the mothers in my life. I don’t want them to think that I forgot them.
Of course, I could never forget them, but I may forget the date of Mother’s Day! Therefore, I may forget to wish them “Happy Mother’s Day”!
Depends Where I Am
If I’m in the U.S. at the time, there are typically enough messages on television and in stores to remind me that Mother’s Day is approaching—with the date prominently and visibly announced.
If I’m living in France, the same thing.
However, the dates between the U.S., France, and Spain (where we live now!) almost never coincide.
For example, this year, Mother’s Day in Spain was Sunday, May 4, 2025. It was May 11, 2025 in the U.S. However, in France, Mother’s Day will fall on May 25, 2025.
Big difference!
The dates seem to be different all over Europe, and in the U.K., it was on March 30, 2025.
It’s strange, because Father’s Day in the U.S. and Europe sometimes falls on the same date, but not always. No wonder I can’t keep up with the dates!
Celebrating mothers and fathers around the world seems to be important. However, all the countries have obviously not agreed on the date to do that!
In any case, I confess, there have been times when I have failed to wish one of my mothers or fathers a “Happy Mother’s Day” or “Happy Father’s Day.”
Out of Touch With the World
I can remember our seven years in Morocco when internet wasn’t what it is today. There were also no billboards, store ads, and television commercials to remind me of global holidays. The focus was mainly on local celebrations like Ramadan and Aid l’Kbir.
I usually missed wishing everyone everything during that season of my life . . . other than Christmas and New Year’s. Those holidays were pretty much engrained in my mind forever and not subject to change based on my geographical location!
I Never Will Forget
No, I have never forgotten you, Mom. I never will.
Even if I don’t wish you “Happy Mother’s Day” on the right date, just know that I’m in the wrong country that year . . . or I missed all the online shopping ads and Facebook posts that were there to remind me. I’m sorry.
All That to Say . . .
“Happy Mother’s Day” to all the mothers out there in the world! Whatever country you are in, whatever date this holiday falls on . . . we celebrate you. EVERYDAY, we celebrate you!
So, that’s our new cultural awareness for the day. Holidays—especially Mother’s Day—don’t always fall on the same date in every country. Beware!
What’s most important is that my four boys wished me “Happy Mother’s Day!” and I did not forget to call my mother on the American date!
Happy Mother’s Day! Sending love to you from Spain!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—”THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
Do you know of other holidays that fall on different dates in different countries?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
