May Day

One of my favorite memories growing up was celebrating May Day with a basket and special ceremonies outside where the flag pole was decorated. 
A May Basket is a flower-filled basket given out as gifts by adults and children in the tradition of the ancient Roman and Druid holiday of May Day. May 1st is a centuries-long celebration of spring turning into the pleasures of summer. May Day baskets can be given to friends, family and neighbors as well as to nursing home/care facilities residents. 
Perhaps you recall making a basket, setting it on your neighbor's doorstep or hung from the front doorknob, ringing the bell and running like crazy so no one knew it was you who left it behind. 
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In school we would weave strips of construction paper to create a basket, adding tissue paper flowers, candy and packet of seeds.
Several years later I worked at a school where we would make up May Day baskets to distribute in the neighborhood. Each basket included a cheery note to brighten some one's day and a packet of seeds. The baskets were hung on their front doorknobs or set on the front steps.
It's not too late to send along a basket full of cheer.
Here are a few easy ideas to get you started.







Take note how easy it would be to make these flowers. Use a Popsicle stick for stem and a Hershey kiss for flower center. The basket cone shape can be made from scrapbooking paper. There's still time if you hurry to make one of your own.

Life is an opportunity,

benefit from it.

Life is beauty,

admire it.

Life is a dream,

realize it.

Life is a duty,

complete it.

Life is a game,

play it.

Life is a promise,

fulfill it.

Life is sorrow,

overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

by Mother Theresa

With Cinco de Mayo trailing close behind May Day check back on Ever Ready this week for several Mexican recipes just in time for May 5th.