Happy May Day!

The May Day Basket tradition continues....

When we were kids, it was a grand day! My mom made a lot of May Baskets for us to deliver to neighbors, friends and family. THey were made from old wallpaper sample books, she'd roll the paper into a cone shape, fashion a handle and add popcorn and candies along with a few flowers too. (The picture shown here is NOT of my baskets, but it is similar to ones we used to make.) I bet she made at least 50 of them each year! We would put them on the door handles of homes, or on their doorstep, ring the doorbell, or knock, and then run like crazy before they came to the door.... the reason we ran was because the tradition said that the receiver would try to catch the person giving them the May Basket and then they'd get to kiss them. Of course for some of the cute boys in the neighborhood we'd run a bit slower so we could get caught! *L*

And the neighborhood kids all waited in anticipation, knowing that May Baskets were going to be delivered sometime that day, so to find a way to creatively hang the Baskets so they wouldn't see us coming was a lot of fun too!

I continued the tradition, on a smaller scale, with my own kids when they were little... we'd make about 25 May Baskets and deliver them... many people didn't know of the May Basket tradition, so they were surprised the first time they received one, but they looked forward to it in the years after their first May Basket.

This year, since my kids are grown, I just made and gave 5 May Baskets only... two of potted plants for their gardens to my Mom and Aunt Shirley, and some with candy and goodies to the grandsons (Jake, Josh and Jeff) who live close by... if granddaughter Jorden had lived closer I would have loved to give her one too, but she has a couple here waiting for her when she comes again for a visit sometime.

It was fun to leave a gift and run off, knowing they'd be wondering who left it for them... but they guessed..*L*

Anyway... I love old traditions like that, they bring a bit of happiness and joy, as we celebrate the beginning of Spring and the beauty of it all.

Happy May Day everyone!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SO, now that May Baskets are delivered, I'm getting ready for a Kentucky Derby Party we are attending this afternoon... hats for women are required, gloves are optional. It's always fun to dress up and see all the cool hats and outfits others ar wearing... and the Derby party is always lots of fun, good food, and good times too!

Hmmm, now what horse should I bet on?? *S*