Drag out the Maypole, pick a few flowers, hang a May basket on a neighbor's door--Spring is here!
May Day celebrations date back over 2000 years ago. Giving out May baskets on May 1 was a lot of fun when I was a child. The tradition seems to have mostly passed away. We try to keep the spirit alive at our house. Since the kids beg for candy from the neighbors at Halloween, why not return the sweet favor at May Day?
Over the years, we've given May baskets to our co-workers, nursing home residents, and our next door neighbors and friends. This year, we're giving baskets to teachers, and our neighbors in our apartment building. We're also distributing some on our new cul-de-sac as a way to introduce ourselves to the new neighbors.
Making your May Baskets
Making May baskets is an easy task. We usually use pretty plastic or paper cups. A paper punch makes holes through which we thread a pipe cleaner handle. We've also used plastic strawberry baskets and construction paper and doilies. Almost any simple container is fine. We've decorated them with silk or live flowers.
Filling Your May Baskets
Here are some suggestions for filling the baskets:
Caramel corn (see recipe from yesterday's post)
Mini candy bars
M&M's
Pretzels
Popcorn
Candy Kisses
Cookies
Nuts
Raisins
Fudge
Candy Corn
Delivering Your May Baskets
May baskets are supposed to be delivered anonymously. Traditionally, the giver hangs or places the basket on the front door. He or she then rings the doorbell or knocks and runs away and hides. Should the recipient see or catch the giver, they give the basket giver a kiss. If the recipient is cute, you can always linger and barely jog away (hoping they know the tradition).
Unfortunately, we live in a post 9-11 world. While we still "ring and hang" at our house, we put a custom printed card (I make the note on a business card in Print Shop) on ours baskets wishing the recipient a "Happy May Day" and letting them know the basket is from our family. That way they don't have to worry about anthrax, cyanide or some other terrorist attack on their front porches.
You're never too old to give a May basket. It's a great way to brighten someone's day, and they don't have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Revive the tradition and share a random act of kindness today!
