“Maycember” Is Here: Why May Rivals December as Busiest Month for Northeast Ohio Families

For many northeast Ohio families, the month of May has earned a new nickname: “Maycember.” The term captures how the fifth month of the year has become just as hectic as the traditional holiday season in December.

The phenomenon has gained traction on social media, with parents across the country sharing their experiences. A recent report confirms that a Scary Mommy post about Maycember did indeed go viral, accumulating over 22,000 likes and more than 26,000 shares on Instagram alone.

For parents with school-aged children, May brings a flurry of end-of-year activities. From kindergarten graduations to high school commencements, the calendar quickly fills up. Ohio University will hold its spring commencement ceremonies on May 2 and 3, while other local colleges have scheduled their graduations throughout the month.

Spring sports reach their peak in May with tournaments and championships. The Ohio High School Athletic Association schedules many of its finals during this time, creating additional commitments for student-athletes and their families.

Local dance studios and music schools host their spring recitals throughout the month. The Athens Community Music School has scheduled spring recitals for late April and early May, while Cleveland State University’s Spring Dance Concert takes place April 18-19.

The month is also packed with cultural events. The Asian Festival in Columbus will take place May 24-25, while numerous community concerts and outdoor performances begin their seasonal schedules.

Adding to the busy calendar, many northeast Ohio residents are also signing up for pool passes during May, preparing for the summer swimming season that typically begins on Memorial Day weekend.

Tips for Surviving “Maycember”

Experts and seasoned parents offer several strategies for managing the May madness:

1. Use shared digital calendars: Make sure all family members can view and update a centralized calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
2. Prioritize commitments: Be selective about which events to attend. Not every end-of-year party requires your presence.
3. Plan meals ahead: Prepare and freeze meals when possible, or keep a list of quick takeout options for hectic evenings.
4. Delegate responsibilities: Divide driving duties with other parents for sports practices or recitals when possible.
5. Schedule downtime: Block out at least one evening or weekend day for family relaxation with no commitments.
6. Change Expectations: Things do not have to always be perfect.
7. Start summer planning in April: Register for camps and activities before May’s calendar fills up.
8. Set reasonable expectations: Acknowledge that the house might be messier and routines disrupted during this busy period.

While December has cultural permission for rest and celebration after the busy holiday season, May offers no such reprieve. The month ends with Memorial Day weekend, which for many marks the unofficial start of summer – and a new set of activities and commitments.

For now, northeast Ohio families continue navigating their packed “Maycember” calendars, looking forward to the slightly less structured days of summer ahead.