Believe it or not, we’ve made it to the first of May. You know what that means? It’s May Day! During this fretful time of Coronavirus, many of us won’t be able to gather for some of the usual ways to celebrate. Dancing ’round the Maypole may have to wait another year due to social distancing. But that doesn’t mean you and the kids can’t find ways to enjoy this springtime tradition. There’s a few activities you’re sure to enjoy that we want to share.

Our very own Zulah Talmadge, editor of The Shady Pines Gazette newspaper, is exploring ways to give new meaning to May Day this year. She talked to some moms here in Shady Pines Story Town about things families can do to mark this special day. They told her it’s all about sharing and caring. Well, those are two themes we especially like! 

“So, here’s what you need to let kids know,” says Zulah. “May marks the blooming of flowers and the arrival of a new season — which is a reason enough to be excited. Since spring is a time when the grass turns green again, the trees sprout leaves and the flowers bloom, there is color and delightful aromas all around us. Caring for nature is a wonderful lesson to share with young children.

After all this is a good time to get back to nature as much as you can. Plant some flowers in the back yard or in planters if you’re in an apartment. You can even start an herb garden in a container so you’ll have fresh ingredients when you cook your next meal. The other thing that these moms suggested is to share a dance with your children. You can do that anywhere you live.

As for the sharing part of May Day, this is where you bring a gift to a loved one, a friend or a neighbor. Maybe you want to do something special for your grandma or grandpa in a nursing home. You might want to leave a basket or card for the person who brings you your mail, or for the medical workers trying so hard to keep us all safe and heealthy. Staying with our theme, you can make a May Day basket or a card to share with them.

Part of the fun of this activity is the happy surprise you’re leaving for someone else to enjoy. It’s also a way to re-use that easter basket of yours! If you’d like to have some help in making your very own May Day gift, we’ve got some ideas for you. This is an activity you and the kids can do together.

The result will be showing that you’re sharing your lovely creation with someone and demonstrating that you care about them very much. Now, isn’t that a tradition worth adopting?  Just GO HERE TO GET SOME BASKET MAKING IDEAS.”

Happy May Day Everyone!

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