Origin and Tradition of Breakfast in Bed on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day became a federal holiday in 1914 under Woodrow Wilson, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Anna Jarvis. Jarvis, who was a single woman without children. However, she believed her own mother to be deserving of a day of honor and wrote to every state governor in 1908, petitioning for an official day for mothers. Six years later, her efforts paid off. Today, mothers all over the country are honored on the second Sunday in May.

Breakfast in Bed Tradition

Originally, breakfast in bed was considered an aristocratic indulgence for the wealthy, adopted from European traditions of leisurely, luxurious mornings. The occasion didn't have to be a federal holiday for someone to have breakfast in bed.

Breakfast in bed on Mother's Day originated as a 1930s tradition. It was a way for families to pamper mothers, reversing the traditional role of women preparing food for their families.

It became popular because the media encouraged it as a special treat to show appreciation, allowing mothers to rest, eat in comfort, and feel special on their designated day.

Thanks to many newspaper articles recommending that children and fathers honor their matriarchs with breakfast in bed, the practice has continued. Today, the tradition is popular in many households.

Little children look forward to surprising their mothers. They wake them up and present a prepared breakfast on a tray that might include bacon, eggs, pancakes, juice, and freshly brewed coffee. A flower in a vase and a Mother's Day card are also on the tray.

Mothers have confessed that even though they enjoy the honor, they are the ones who have to clean up the messy kitchen when they get out of bed.

A 25-Year Tradition

For 25 years on the Friday before Mother's Day, 'Good Morning America" has honored a special woman by surprising her with breakfast in bed during its "Breakfast in Bed" Mother's Day Celebration featuring Chef Emeril Lagasse.

On Friday, May 9, 2025, GMA surprised Patricia Isom, an incredible mother and a sixth-grade teacher at Bainbridge Middle School in Bainbridge, Georgia. She was surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers as she was escorted to a bed where she was encouraged to remain for the entire segment.

Even though Patricia was presented with a tray of delicious breakfast food prepared by the famous chef, she was too excited to eat on national television. Besides, a lot was going on with the interview and other presentations. Not only did Patricia receive personal gifts, but she also received a generous gift for Bainbridge Middle School in Georgia, where she teaches.

The Selection Process

Around March of every year, "GMA" announces the upcoming "Breakfast in Bed Mother's Day Celebration." Entries are sent in for a real-life superhero who deserves to be honored. The woman could be a mother of her own children as well as a "mom" to a whole group of people.

The winning entry is one that tells the mother's story in a 100-word essay, along with a photo. The woman selected doesn't know that she will be honored with breakfast in bed and all that goes along with it until the exact moment that she is escorted from what she is doing to the surprised event.

For instance, Patricia Isom was in her classroom in Bainbridge, Georgia when she found out that she was going to be on television surrounded by family members, friends, co-workers, and a national audience.

Over the Years

The "Breakfast in Bed" Mother's Day Celebration has been airing on GMA for 25 years, and it never gets old. It is a popular tradition that the staff and viewers look forward to every year. Chef Emeril Lagasse was part of the celebration since it first started, and it is one of his favorite events to prepare a meal for.

Watch GMA on Friday before Mother's Day to see who the next honoree will be.