Mayday! Mayday! Seriously, What is it About May?

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Now that it’s over, I’d like to rehash the blur that was and always is the month of May. When I think of spring, I think of flowers, the birds, the sunshine, and every conceivable childhood milestone and family event being crammed into five short weeks. If you’re anything like me, your monthly planner ends up looking like a  defunct game of tic-tac-toe covered with so many X’s and O’s it’s barely legible.  I mean seriously, what is it about May? 
 
Maybe it’s the weather. It’s not too hot and usually not too cold. Of course! It’s perfect prom weather! When I was in school,  junior prom was held over April vacation and senior prom over February vacation. Granted, the latter never allowed for outside pictures or open-toed shoes but it was done that way because when you’re a senior, May is chock full of special events. Bunk day, senior reception, senior cookout, final exams, and the last day of school. Somewhere along the way, this must’ve been forgotten because after scrolling through my Facebook news feed, I now know May is “prom month.” Apparently, it’s also the best month for first communions and confirmations. So if you have a high school student and you celebrate these religious milestones, your calendar is already starting to get booked up. 
 
But wait! If your kids dance, chances are you’ll have a dance recital to attend in May. And if they play spring sports, such as baseball or softball, get set for Opening Day and the parade that goes along with it.  Which reminds me, Memorial Day is also crammed into May. This special day to celebrate our veterans we’ve lost includes parades and commemorative events has also been dubbed the “unofficial kickoff to summer.”  And summer means barbecues, pool parties, and other friendly gatherings! For the record, when I was a kid, Memorial Day weekend also meant the first beach days of summer. But the weather no longer seems to lend itself to that. Global warming perhaps?  I digress…girls at ballet dance recital Providence Moms Blog
 
 
Of course, there are other holidays and celebrations in May. Mother’s Day is the third largest retail holiday in the U.S. with 84% of Americans celebrating. For restaurants that are open, this often one of, if not THE busiest day of the year. So while we’re all busy prom dress shopping and getting set for baseball parades, we can’t forget to buy something for Mom (or remind your significant other to buy something for you) and make that brunch reservation! 
 
On a personal level, we have several May birthdays in our family: six including my daughters and my own. In fact this year, May was so booked with other events, I had to have my daughter’s birthday party ON MY ACTUAL birthday. Nothing says “42” like a JoJo Siwa Glamour Dance Party with fifteen 7-year-olds! #bestiesnotbullies  
 
Of course, no one is saying you have to do all these things. There is such a thing as saying “no” to prevent being overscheduled and I am a firm believer in allowing for downtime. But it’s hard when your kids are involved or their friends and your friends are the ones extending the invite. You want to be there for them, as they are for you. That doesn’t make it any less exhausting. 
 
But if you still have the energy to burn, here are a few more special “May days” in cased you missed them. Make note, because you might want to plan ahead for next year. 
 
May 1st is Save the Rhino Day and May 5th is Cinco De Mayo! May 8th is Teachers Appreciation Day, which thankfully you’ll be reminded of by your school’s PTO. Be advised, this usually leads to “Teacher’s Appreciation Week.” You’ll need presents!  May 10th is Clean Up Your Room Day; I’m making note of that one! There’s also National Dance Like a Chicken Day on May 14th and this year, Ramadan will begin on May 5th.  The 20th is a Be a Millionaire Day and the 23rd is Lucky Penny Day — I see a connection there. clinking wine glasses Providence Moms Blog
My personal favorite is National Wine Day, which is held on May 25th and trust me, by then we all need it! Don’t forget to save some Chardonnay for the 28th to enjoy with your dinner on National Hamburger Day.  And if you have any room left in your belly and on your calendar, you can always celebrate with dessert National Macaroon Day on May 30th.