What Happened to May Day?

Since the 21st century, the May Basket tradition has wilted. I remember constructing baskets back in elementary school from wallpaper samples, construction paper, and paper plates. We would pick flowers from mom's garden to fill them.

My best friend Kathy and I couldn't wait to run down the street to her grandmother's house and hang a basket on her door knob, ring the bell and run away, giggling hysterically until we reached the next house and did it all over again. We'd circle the whole neighborhood, leaving baskets at our friend's houses and then hide in the bushes with our hearts pounding in our chests, waiting to see the smile on the face of the person who answered the door.

Isn’t it time to revive the May basket tradition? Don’t you know someone who could use a bit of cheer? Have you noticed that the rain has everything blooming?

May Baskets are easy to construct. Cut a circle out of construction paper and roll it into a cone. Use a ribbon or a paper strip to form the handle. The bouquet doesn't need to be elaborate. In fact, you can make paper flowers if you don't want to use real ones. You can even find little baskets at the 99 Cents Store and little bunches of silk flowers. Once you decide on the recipient, quietly approach the door, hang the basket on the knob, ring the doorbell and RUN LIKE HECK! It's supposed to be anonymous and I guarantee you'll be giggling like a kid again.

I'm always blown away how when we bless someone else, we're blessed ten-fold in return. Put a smile on your neighbor or friend’s face this May Day!

I can't wait to hear your stories...
~Mary