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Ask some of your younger employees to tell you about May Day, and they probably won’t know what you’re talking about. Yet, I’ll bet many of your residents can share lots of fun stories about May Day traditions from long ago.
There’s a special day to celebrate almost everything nowadays, but May Day seems to have been lost along the way in many parts of our country. That’s sad because traditionally it’s a beautiful celebration of the coming of spring. I hope when you fill out your activity calendars you’ll include May Day on May 1 this year.
I know your residents will enjoy these special activities. What else do you do to celebrate May Day? Please add your ideas in the comment section!
Create May Baskets
Years ago, people made May baskets and filled them with flowers or treats. It was a tradition to hang a basket on the door of a friend or neighbor, ring the doorbell, and then run away before they could catch you.
When I was in elementary school, we made pretty May baskets and brought them home to our moms. I’ll bet many of your residents remember doing this, too. You’ll find several fun May basket designs on the Better Homes & Gardens website.
Enjoy A Traditional Snack
I’m not aware of special food to eat on May Day in the United States, but many Europeans enjoy eating funnel cakes. You can find them in the bakery department of many stores.
The traditional beverage of May Day is a strawberry punch. Here’s a no-alcohol version that I know your residents will enjoy:
May Day Punch
- 48 oz bottled cranberry-strawberry juice drink (chilled)
- 2 quarts strawberry ice cream, (softened)
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (thawed)
- 24 oz lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- Combine all ingredients except the soda in a large punch bowl. Whisk thoroughly.
- Slowly add lemon-lime soda just before serving.
Dance Around The Maypole
The traditional Maypole was a tree trunk stripped of its branches. Ribbons were attached to the top of the pole. People danced around the pole, weaving the ribbons into intricate patterns.
How many of your residents remember dancing around a Maypole? Here’s an example of a May Day dance you can share with them: https://youtu.be/FBiFSGGiDOk
If you wish to go all out, you can build your own Maypole using instructions from Martha Stewart.
Celebrate Lei Day
In Hawaii, May Day is called Lei Day. Offer each of your residents a lei to wear, and pass them out to employees, too, so they can join in on the fun. Listen to Hawaiian music, and maybe you can even find someone to come in and demonstrate the lovely hula dance!
How do you celebrate May Day? Please share your ideas in the comment section.
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