Guest post from of OneThingAlone.com
You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate. In fact, as I look back on my childhood, the best celebrations were the simple, unexpected ones, the chocolate cake in the middle of the week “just because”, the watermelon-eating contests to mark the passing of summer, the “attagirl” and pat on the back for a great slide tackle.
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your week or want to create some fun memories this summer, here are seven ways to add a flair of celebration to every day:
1. Make a big deal out of small accomplishments.
Did your toddler go potty by herself? Dance around the house with her!
Did you run 100 yards farther than before? Jump in the air and pump your fist!
Celebrating little accomplishments goes a long way to elevating our mood, and it also helps strengthen relationships.
In our family, my husband and I started celebrating our relationship every 3rd of the month before we even married. It gives us something to look forward to every month and I love coming up with little ways to surprise him.
2. Remember that every day is a holiday.
Every year my husband, daughter, and I dress up like cows to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. It’s become an annual tradition and we love being silly together (the free sandwiches sweeten the deal).
Check out local business’ event days or an online calendar for wacky holidays. See who can do the best moonwalk on lunar landing day (7/20) or eat cheesecake on National Cheesecake Day (7/30). Every day can be a holiday!
3. Start a list of #1000 gifts.
God’s gifts to us every day are miraculous blessings — but we often brush past them because we don’t stop to see them. Take a page from Ann Voskamp and write down 3 gifts each day; you’ll be surprised by all the reasons to celebrate every day.
Recently, I visited a friend’s house and saw a poster-sized piece of paper hanging in the kitchen with a long list of things they were grateful for, everything from shoes on sale to a life-changing missions trip. I LOVE that they do this as a family and that everyone contributes. You can write down anything and everything you are grateful for, and even share #1000gifts on social media like I do.
4. Make a toast at dinner.
Toasts don’t have to be relegated to wedding receptions or black-tie affairs. Pour some orange juice and make a toast to your husband, child, or friend, sharing with them what you appreciate about them or celebrating a recent accomplishment.
They may be embarrassed on the spot, but I bet they’ll also be touched and encouraged.
5. High-Five for a great job.
I read somewhere that giving out high-fives increases endorphins and general good-feelings. I’ve tried to include more high-fives in my day (both at work and at home) and the effect is a contagious smile and a rise in energy.
Finished putting away laundry with your husband? High-five! Got a sale at work? High-five! Managed to get the kids out of the house in time to catch the sermon at church? High-five!
6. Use the good dishes and put flowers on the table.
When someone special comes over for dinner, you probably tidy up, bring out the good dishes, put on a table cloth and maybe a vase of flowers.
Do that for your family. Make them feel special and celebrate each other!
7. Frame an “every day” picture.
Let’s face it: most days the house is a mess, dishes are in the sink, and we might get any makeup on. But it’s in that everyday grind that miracles happen: little lives are nurtured, two become one, relationships are built, and lives are transformed in those small daily things.
Celebrate those miracles by taking pictures of life as it really happens: tickle fights while putting away laundry, smeared spaghetti-faced babes, crayons spread across the kitchen table, and muddy boots in the foyer that tell of dancing in the rain. Pick your favorite and frame it to remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful (thanks to The Nester for that lesson).
With some forethought and an intentional attitude, we can break up the monotony of the daily grind and celebrate little miracles every day.
What about you? How do you celebrate every day?
Asheritah blogs at OneThingAlone.com about her journey to resting in God's amazing grace, celebrating Jesus through laundry piles, stacked bills, and midnight cries. She also posts encouraging thoughts, #1000gifts, and interesting reads on Facebook and Twitter.
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