When I was growing up in Iowa, May Day was the best.
You made up little baskets filled with candy and goodies, then sneaked them over to your friends’ houses. You left them on the porch or hung them on the door knob. Back then, in the Midwest, everyone did it. Judging by what I see on Pinterest and parenting blogs, I’m excited to see this tradition is coming back.
I thought it was the coolest thing in the world: surprising someone with a goodie. I practically giggled to myself as I imagined my friends finding the treats.
I loved the element of stealth. So did my mom.
This holiday was absolutely my mom’s thing. She loved surprising people with something fun, just because it would make them happy. To imagine the look on a friend’s face. One day, before my mom’s dementia got really bad, she was sitting at the kitchen table with a mysterious look on her face. I asked her what she was thinking about. She told me she wanted to sew a toaster cover for Lori, her neighbor, because “she really needed one.” She was figuring out how she’d make it and how she’d get it to fit without Lori knowing.
Today I celebrate May Day. And my mom, and her love of sneak attacking people with fun little things.
Let’s keep bringing it back.
Margaret “Sue” Vierk
April 8, 1935 – April 22, 2019
Vickey, this was such a sweet post. I love this tradition and I had never heard of it before! How special that your mom passed down this gift of joy to you. I am remembering her beautiful spirit with you today. 💝
Becky, thank you! <3
Do I have to wait till May 1, 2020 to start or could I just find a random day to do this?
You should try doing it anytime – maybe when people least suspect it!