Are you ready for a month full of excitement and celebration? May is just around the corner, and it's packed with plenty of events and holidays for families to enjoy together. From Mother's Day to National Bike Month, there's something for everyone to look forward to.
But did you know that there are some surprising statistics about May events and holidays? For example, did you know that Americans spend an estimated $23.6 billion on Mother's Day gifts each year? That's right, according to the National Retail Federation, Mother's Day is the third-largest holiday for consumer spending, behind only Christmas and Valentine's Day.
But that's not all. With so many events and holidays to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we have gathered up the top 10 May events and holidays for families to celebrate together. Moreover, we will also provide examples and tips for each one, and highlight some surprising statistics along the way.
So get ready to discover some new favorite holidays for your family and make May 2023 a month to remember!
- Mother's Day
Mother's Day is one of the most important events in May. It's a day to honor the amazing women in our lives who have nurtured, loved and supported us through thick and thin.
Tip: To make Mother's Day extra special, consider planning a fun family outing or activity. Take Mom out for brunch, go on a nature walk, or have a picnic in the park. You could also give her a thoughtful gift, such as a personalized photo album or a homemade craft.
- Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Many families choose to attend a local Memorial Day parade or ceremony to pay their respects. You could also organize a family barbecue or picnic to celebrate the day and spend time together. It can turn out to be one of the best holidays for a family.
Statistics: According to AAA, more than 37 million Americans are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend in 2021, a significant increase from 2020 when many people were staying close to home due to the pandemic.
- Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a festive holiday celebrated on May 5th. It celebrates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many families celebrate by having a Mexican-themed party, complete with traditional food, drinks, and decorations.
Tip: To make your Cinco de Mayo celebration even more fun, consider adding some activities for the kids. You could have a piñata, make papel picado (traditional Mexican paper decorations), or play a game of Lotería (Mexican bingo).
- National Bike Month
May is also National Bike Month, one of the perfect holidays for a family to celebrate and promote the joys of biking. Biking is a great way for families to stay active and spend time outdoors.
Statistics: According to PeopleForBikes, bike sales have surged during the pandemic, with some bike shops reporting up to a 600% increase in sales.
Tip: To celebrate National Bike Month, consider planning a family bike ride or participating in a local bike event. You could also teach your kids bike safety and maintenance, or explore a new bike trail together.
- Teacher Appreciation Week
Typically celebrated during the first full week of May, Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to show our gratitude and appreciation for the hardworking teachers who make a difference in our children's lives every day.
Tip: To show your child's teacher how much you appreciate them, consider making a homemade gift or card. You could also organize a class-wide thank-you celebration, such as a potluck or coffee bar.
- National Wildflower Week
May 3-9 is National Wildflower Week, a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wildflowers across the country and make perfect holidays for a family. Wildflowers are an important part of our ecosystem, providing food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Tip: To celebrate National Wildflower Week, consider taking a nature walk or hike with your family to admire the local flora. You could also plant some wildflowers in your yard or participate in a local wildflower planting event.
- Graduations
May is a time of graduation, as many high school and college students complete their studies and move on to the next chapter of their lives. Graduations are an important milestone and a time to celebrate the achievements of our loved ones.
Tip: To make your graduation celebration even more special, consider hosting a small gathering with family and friends. You could also plan a fun outing, such as a day trip to a nearby attraction or a night out on the town.
- National Hamburger Month
May is also National Hamburger Month, a time to celebrate one of America's favorite foods. According to the National Restaurant Association, Americans consume an estimated 50 billion burgers each year.
Tip: To celebrate National Hamburger Month, consider hosting a family burger night. You could set up a DIY burger bar with a variety of toppings and sauces, or try making your own burgers from scratch.
- National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and thank the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces. According to the Department of Defense, there are currently more than 1.3 million active-duty service members and over 800,000 reserve members serving in the U.S. military.
Tip: To make these family holidays more special and show support for the military community, send care packages to deployed troops or donate to a military charity. You could also attend a local military parade or ceremony to show your appreciation.
- National Family Month
May is also National Family Month, a time to celebrate the importance of family and the bonds that hold us together. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American household consists of 3.14 people.
Tip: To celebrate National Family Month, consider planning a special family outing or activity. You could have a movie night at home, take a family vacation, or try a new hobby together. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to savor the time spent with your loved ones.
Conclusion
But the fun doesn't have to stop just because May is over. Many of the events and holidays we've highlighted can be celebrated year-round, from biking to burgers to spending quality time with family. By taking the time to recognize and appreciate these special moments, you can create a deeper sense of connection and joy in your family.
So whether you're planning your next family gathering or simply looking for a reason to celebrate, we hope this list of the top 10 May events and holidays for a family has inspired you to make the most of every moment.