Do you remember the days of May Baskets? Did you ever get one as a kid? I can remember neighbor kids getting them hung on their doors by their friends. But, I never got one. And I thought back then that I would definitely have my kids do May Day Baskets for their friends.
And I’ve yet to do it.
Until this year.
My two little ones are going to prepare traditional May Baskets this year and hang them on the doors of their neighborhood friends, both boys and girls alike.
Victoria Magazine has this to say about the tradition of May Day and May Baskets:
“The tradition of May Day begins with a basket or container brimming with flowers and small gifts. The May Day basket is quietly and secretly placed on the doorstep of a neighbor or loved one, demonstrating the gift of giving without receiving. Children and adults alike can participate in the joy of the holiday by making a special basket for a friend.”
I think my kids will have a blast picking out little trinkets to put in them, and seeing if they can get them hung on the doorknobs and get the doorbell rang without getting caught. What a great way to teach our kids the simple gift of giving.
Will you join me in bringing back this lost tradition?
Very cute! I’ve never heard of that until now. What a fun tradition.
And, while we’re bringing back lost traditions…how about bringing back the best Valentine’s Day tradition of leaving valentines on doorsteps, ringing the bell, and running away! That was the best, what happened to that??
Thanks again, Nicole!
I always thought May Day was May 1st. Am I wrong? Must research, cause this is an awesome idea!
This is such a cute idea! I went out and got the stuff to do a few and then someone mentioned its on May first… I decided I didn’t care, baskets of flowers (and candy) are nice ANY day! So we are going to take some out tomorrow! Thanks for the fun idea!
Yea, we’re dorks…it took us a while to get this post up! But, remember this tradition for next year 🙂
Yes, it is actually to be done the evening of April 30th .. forgot to mention that in the post .. oooops!
Honestly, after that inspirational post, I woke up the morning of April 30th and realized that it actually WAS April 30th and we were leaving at 3:00 p.m. to drive to my parents’ in another state. So, I threw the baskets together and delivered them myself. My kids never even knew I did it.
But, the recipients were happy and I vow to be more organized next year and actually get my kids involved!
We used to do this every May day growing up… my Mother would always buy a ton of flowers and we’d create baskets for them to hang on the neighbor’s doors. I’m not sure anyone ever knew who did it, but we had a lot of fun sneaking up to their houses!!!
Thanks Nicole! Sorry we couldn’t get it up sooner!
My favorite “holiday” ever… and then I had a child born on May Day. We used to take the May Baskets, ring the bell and then run slowly away.. as the receiver was to chase after and give a kiss to the giver! We always had fresh lilacs out of the garden, and plenty of popcorn and gumdrops. I have tried to carry this on.. older people know about May Day but not many younger people!