Iowa's May Day traditions have evolved, but the joy remains

• In an era of Ring doorbells and extra caution, I wondered if the tradition of May Day baskets is actually on its way out.

Yes, but: Jessie Todd, a Grimes mom and writer for Des Moines Mom, reassured me that May Day is still here — it may just look a little different for some families in 2025.

Zoom in: Todd, who grew up in a heavily Dutch town in Nebraska, has fond memories of the same traditions.

• But these days, she celebrates May Day a little differently. She primarily gives away pre-packaged snacks and has her kids sign the bags, so neighbors know who left the treats.
• Instead of running away, her kids linger to watch the joy people get from the little presents.

What they're saying: "It helps me feel a little connected to the neighborhood," Todd says. "Our neighbors are maybe not all culturally and religiously the same as us, but it's something kind of unifying, and is really kind of a low expectation."

The bottom line: If her family stopped doing May Day, Todd expects her neighbors would end it as well. She notices fewer families participating in it in Des Moines.

• But it takes just one family to participate to encourage others on the street to do the same, she says.

📣 Shoutout: Do you still give out May Day baskets, or has the tradition changed over time for you? Hit reply to our email and let us know!