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Victoria Day
 

Victoria Day. May Long. May 2-4.

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Whatever you call it, we all seem to celebrate this long weekend as the unofficial kickoff to 

Summer on the Monday that falls before the 25th of May. In our colder climate, this is typically a safe weekend to start gearing up for a season spent outdoors. Whether that means working in your garden, setting up your seasonal campsite or opening your cottage, we welcome it with open arms. 

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The true meaning of why this holiday is observed is to honor the birth of Queen Victoria in 1819. Queen Victoria ruled from the age of 18 until her death at age 81. The longest reign of any of her predecessors (and until Queen Elizabeth II), which established the Victorian era. Under her ruling, Canada became a more democratic country and less dependent on Crown governing. She never did visit our great country, but her legacy is stamped and celebrated coast to coast. So make a toast to the Queen for independence, strong women in history and having a great day of birth for a long weekend! 

Traditional Ways of Celebrating & What Inspires Us:

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THEME​

  • Summer's Coming

  • Flowers

  • Camping

  • Queen Victoria / Royalty 

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BEAUTY & FASHION

  • Comfortable & casual, bust out your summer hats and sunglasses

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DÉCOR

  • Consider your theme

  • If hosting, create a spage to take photos

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ENTERTAINMENT​

  • Put on your favourite movie about camping or watch a documentary on Queen Victoria

  • Listen your favourite campfire, cottage, outdoor inspired playlist

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FLOWERS

  • Neutrals, green, white

  • The flowers for the month of May include Lily of the Valley and Hawthron

  • Pick your own wildflowers

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FOOD & DRINK

  • Fire up that barbecue for the warm days ahead - burgers, sausages, whatever you like to grill

  • Enjoy a nice cold beer (or a 2-4 over the weekend), if you're feeling extra summery, make it a flavoured beer, radler or shandy

  • Simple desserts like cookies, brownies, or if it is warm enough to enjoy a bonfire make some s'mores 

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FUN

  • If it's nice enough outside: Go camping, boating, fishing, hiking

  • Host an outdoor party with lawn games and a bonfire

  • If the weather is not favourable: Stay in to play some board or card games

  • Head to the cabin or cottage

  • Go for a weekend road trip

  • Start your garden - whether indoors or out

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GIFTS & GREETINGS

  • Host gifts: flowers or a small plant, their favourite beverage, baking or favourite treats​​​​​​​​

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PARTY TIME

  • Attending?

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Host gift (see gifts & greetings)

    • Pack your own beverage

    • Potluck? Prepare and pack your contribution

    • Take photos

  • Hosting?

    • Guest list & invites

    • Clean house

    • Yard maintenance

    • Theme décor

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Prepare menu

    • Entertainment (music, games…)

    • Display previous years’ photos and take more to add

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PHOTOS

  • Take photos of yourself and those you are celebrating with

  • Look back on past years with an organized slideshow or photo album

  • Depending on your chosen theme you could use props like plastic crowns, flower crowns or beer box hats

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QUOTES

  • "Happy May Long" or "Happy May 2-4!"

  • "Happy Birthday to Queen Victoria!"

  • Queen Victoria was quite the stoic personality, and had some very interesting quotes. While we celebrate her, let's embrace our inner diva and queen behaviour.

    • "We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist" - QV

    • "The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them" - QV​​​​

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TRADITIONS

  • Outdoor fun

  • Outdoor chores

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KIDS & CLASSROOM FUN

  • Queen, camping, summer inspired art

  • Read books and listen to music about queens, camping and outdoor fun

  • Note: This is actually funny, because if you do research on QV, you will find that while she had nine children, she really wasn't very fond of motherhood at all.​​​​​​​

 

WORKPLACE

  • Bring in some sweet treats like cookies or brownies for all to enjoy before the long weekend

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