articles

10 May Events, Holidays, & More For Your Family To Recognize

Celebrate and honor these 10 May Events!

By Kimberly Wright - Publisher of Decatur Macaroni KID and East Atlanta Macaroni KID May 4, 2024

Indeed, our affection for May is undeniable. We adore May. The grass adopts a vibrant green hue, spring flowers burst into full bloom, and children anticipate the conclusion of the academic year. The countdown is here and so real. In essence, everyone is gearing up for summer, poised to flourish in their respective places.

May offers ten unique occasions, events, and holidays for family celebrations, from showing gratitude to teachers and mothers to honoring the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in military service to the United States.

Holidays



Annie Japaud | Canva

May Day

May Day, a traditional spring festival, is observed in numerous countries globally with festivities that often include flower shows, parades, and maypole dances. To commemorate the day, consider leaving flowers for a neighbor to brighten their May Day! Read a DIY how-to: May Day Baskets are a Fun Way to Celebrate Your Neighbors




652234 | Canva

Free Comic Book Day

This is a favorite day of my family. We love to indulge in various comic book series such as Stormbringers. I have rounded up various lists of recommended comic reading for children, tweens, and teens.  The world of comics is unique in DEI representation as well. Check them out and get a free comic book at participating local bookstores and comic book stores as part of this national giveaway day!  Which series or comic book is your family's favorite? Saturday, May 4th




adoproducciones | Canva

Cinco de Mayo

Originally commemorating Mexico's triumph over the French Army, this day has evolved in the U.S. into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, including music and cuisine. Here are some Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout metro Atlanta.  Try out some of our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips! Sunday, May 5th



 
studioroman | Canva

Mother's Day

Celebrate the Matriarchs! It is time to honor all the mothers, stepmothers, bonus mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and motherly figures in our lives. Let us take a moment to show our profound gratitude for their endless love and dedication. Whether it is through a sticky bear hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, a thorough house cleaning, a day of unwinding, a thoughtful gift card, or a lavish present, let us express our love and appreciation for all they do.

They nurture, teach, and guide us, often without expecting anything in return. So, make sure they know just how much they are cherished and valued. Celebrate them!  Sunday, May 12th




 jkmoller11 | Canva 

Memorial Day

On this day we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. Let us take a moment to pay tribute to a service member and their sacrifice, and reflect on the freedoms we cherish as a result of their service. Monday, May 27th

Week-Long Observances in May



 CDC CCO Images | Canva

Screen-Free Week

Screen-Free Week goes beyond simply turning off your screens; it's about enriching family time and much more. Rather than dedicating an hour to TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, you could embrace the beauty of nature. The usual ten to fifteen minutes spent scrolling on social media could be transformed into delightful family activities. Macaroni KID encourages you to exchange movie time for engaging in reading, board games, conversations, or imaginative play with your loved ones. May 6th - 12th




Pavel Danilyuk | Canva

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers deserve appreciation. As a former educator, I know firsthand how overworked and underpaid they are, and now is your chance to say THANK YOU! Show them love this week with gift cards, flowers, sweet notes, or whatever you can manage. They will cherish the appreciation you show them. I recall one year when parents gave me five-dollar gift cards to various places, and I was as thankful as if they were fifty-dollar gift cards. This week is the time to give extra love and show our gratitude for their dedication to our future. We are honored to have teachers as part of our Macaroni KID publishers. Read about them here! May 6th - 10th

Month-Long Observances in May



 Kindel Media | Canva

National Foster Care Month

May is the month to honor the incredible efforts of foster families, who impact the lives of over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Discover more about fostering and ways to contribute. A safe home, whether temporary or permanent, is essential for everyone. Consider this. Could you be a foster parent?




 corelens | Canva

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

We honor the vast cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, encompassing more than 30 countries and over 100 distinct languages. It's a time to celebrate their history and disseminate this knowledge among your family.  Here are 10 books we love from AAPI authors.




fotomaniya | Canva

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental illness impacts over 50 million individuals in the U.S. For resources and ways to observe this month, support others, and advocate for change, visit NAMI. In our area, if you or someone you know needs assistance with crises and emergencies, you can contact PAD at 311 or 404-546-0311.