While established by Woodrow Wilson as a holiday in the United States in 1911, the practice of recognizing mothers on a specific day or time of year has spread to more than 40 countries. Here's a look at the various traditions.

France

Mother's Day in France only started in the 1950s. After World War I, it was celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it conflicted with the Pentecost（五旬节）. If it did, mothers were celebrated on the first Sunday of June. Regardless of the day, a traditional gif is a flower-shaped cake.

Japan

Following WWI, Mother's Day in Japan gained some popularity, and it is now celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Gifts include red or pink conations（康乃馨） as they symbolize sweetness and purity. Children will often draw pictures of their mothers and present them to mom in addition to preparing dishes that their mothers have taught them.

Sweden

Celebrated on the last Sunday in May, the day isn't all that different from the U. S. version. There's breakfast in bed and homemade cards and the like. One difference is that the Swedish Red Cross collects money by selling red plastic flowers. The money from the flowers goes to mothers and children in need.

Thailand

While all mothers are recognized during Mother's Day in Thailand, the holiday is largely centered on Sirikit, the queen mother of Thailand. Mother's Day is celebrated on her birthday, August 12, and public places and households are decorated with lights and pictures of Sirikit. Flowers like jasmine are popular gifts.

Easy Halloween Party Ideas 2021

Halloween is forthcoming and we’re sure your kids already have their spirit on! With some preparations and these Halloween party ideas, you can throw your kids and their friends a super fearful party. We have listed some easy-peasy ideas for you.

Theme it out

Picking the perfect Halloween theme can be complicated. There are so many factors to consider like location, space size, kid-friendliness, etc. Whichever theme you choose, make sure that you stick with it for other elements as well like food, music, and decorations.

Ghoulishing the decorations

Fake blood, spider webs, cut-out pumpkins, & huge bubbling pots. Halloween decorations are sure fun and involve kids and parents together in the holiday activities. Decorating the house together is sure to ensure some serious bonding time!

DIY Halloween party games

DIY Halloween games are a super way to get kids excited! They are budget-friendly and are a great way for parents to bond with their children. Make sure to include games that suit your theme and create amusement.

Make some delicious food & drinks

Try to keep Halloween snacks and drinks tasty and simple! Make a tangy punch (潘趣酒) that kids will enjoy with some cheese sandwiches to go along with. You can make snacks that are relevant to your theme.

Halloween is great fun but don’t forget that the core purpose behind each holiday is to get in some family time. Do some activities that involve you and your kids together. Help your kids enjoy themselves to the fullest by enjoying with them!

St Patrick’s Day: All you need to know about your local parades

Thousands of people will crowd around cities, towns, and villages all over the country on Friday for the annual St Patrick’s Day festivities.

Cork

Cork City’s St Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1 pm, with the event also live-streamed from 12:45 pm for those unable to be there in person. Featuring Cork’s long-established bands and hundreds of sports and dance groups, the parade will also have a special multi-cultural focus, in the form of the migrant support group Together Razem.

Limerick

A huge turnout is expected in Limerick on Friday to watch the parade which kicks off at midday from O’Connell’s St. Serving as Grand Marshall is Limerick native and star of D’Unbelievables and the Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, Jon Kenny, who is looking forward to his “starring role” in this year’s celebrations.

Waterford

Following the success of last year’s first-ever three-day festival, Waterford City is hoping to top the 2022 celebrations. The fun kicks off with live music in the Cultural Quarter on Thursday night. On Friday, the parade will set off from the Quays at 1 pm, led by Grand Marshall, boxing champion Kelyn Cassidy. The rest of the weekend will be filled with more music, workshops, and dancing, and there will be a fairground for the kids to enjoy.

Clare

Beginning at 11 am from Clare County Council’s headquarters, the parade in Ennis will celebrate the commitment of Clare’s sporting heroes to their local communities. The parade’s hosts are former president of Ennis Rugby (英式橄榄球) Club Jimmy O’Brien, Barefield athlete PJ Purcell, and great-grandniece of Kilnamona boxer Michael McTigue, Aisling Rynne.