On Celebrating the Little Things

Celebrating has occupied much of my mind lately. Maybe it’s because I’m still in the Christmas mood or maybe it’s because of the success of my birthday Coffee Shop Hop but I’m moving past that, convinced that celebrating the little things is one of the great keys to joy.

We had an acquaintance live with us for a few weeks. After a few weeks he made the observation that my husband probably came from a family who celebrated events, like Christmas and birthdays, when they came about because they were supposed to celebrate but that my family was probably the type of family who searched out events to celebrate. While it takes each type to make the world go round (and I certainly couldn’t get through life without Hubby’s more practical outlook), I make my mark through celebration.

A friend invited me over to watch a football game last night. She had made cut out cookies for us to decorate as we watched the Seahawks play. It was such a little thing, but it added so much festivity to our day.

Life is full of things to mourn. You don’t have to look far to see something worth crying over. So when there is an opportunity to do so, celebrate. Promotions, returns from deployments, church holidays, anniversaries, even each of the 12 days of Christmas are met with vigor and excitement in my house. We rejoice over every new piece of excitement, even if that joy looks simply like the table set nicely with wine already poured.

Here are 10 little ways to celebrate: 

1) Break Out Your China
This is a simple act that immediately adds a level of beauty to your dinner.

2) Light Candles 
Everything looks better by candlelight.

3) Eat Outside 
You definitely don’t need a special occasion to do this but every timeHubby and I eat outside, it reminds us to slow down and savor the moment.

4) Make Dessert (Or Grab Something from the Bakery)
I rarely make dessert, especially when it is just Hubby and me. When I pop a bundt cake in the oven and pull it out after dinner, it lifts the mood from regular dinner to a celebration. I love grabbing the mini-cheesecakes from Whole Foods! They are a lovely addition to the dinner table and are beautiful to look at.

5) Invite Friends to Join You
Share your little celebration with others! Even if it is just a simple dinner, joy calls for sharing and passing on your excitement will only build it.

6) Make a Toast
The first time I was at a party where someone actually made a toast was last year. It inspired me. A few weeks ago, I made a toast to a friend over a “Last Morning in Hawaii” celebratory breakfast. It was lovely. We should encourage and admonish others publicly with our words more often. For added fun, find a new cocktail recipe!

7) Create a Special Meal
We all have dishes that take a bit of extra time and effort than our normal weekday dinner. It might take a bit of preparation but put in the time and celebrate with the joy of good food.

8) Decorate the Table
This can be as simple as candles or flowers or as complicated as you’d like it to be but it is something that’s always noticed.

9) Dress-Up
Throw on a dress, heels, and a bit of lipstick. It makes everything a bit more fun.

10) Make It a Surprise
Don’t tell whomever your’e celebrating in advance. Let your SO or friend find out for themselves when they arrive and see the pleasantly set table, taste the champagne, and hear your toast.

So wherever you are today, I encouraged you to seize the day by seizing the joy and celebrating life’s little moments.

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