We may have had to cancel celebrations, but we don’t have to cancel celebrating

‘Tis the season! It’s time for gatherings of all kinds — graduations, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, bachelor parties, achievements of all kinds — and although we may have had to cancel celebrations, we don’t have to cancel celebrating. In fact, I would even say that we need more celebrating than ever and for ALL the reasons!

It’s been so much fun taking note of the creative hints of cheer during this strange time. Yard signs, virtual toasts, car parades, music and honking, decorated driveways and doors and yards and cars and windows, surprise tree ornaments, pictures posted in all the places, sidewalk art + sweet messages, candle lighting, care packages, singing from porches, dancing in the streets, handwritten cards, and the list goes on…

I’m especially proud of the way my friends and family have redirected to ensure celebrating continues

I’m especially proud of the way my friends and family have redirected to ensure celebrations continue. Maybe not in the way they initially envisioned although they are happening. For example, my nieces had milestone birthdays, one turned 13 and the other turned 10. A pretty big deal when you’re 13 and 10, right!? They very well could have fallen into a mode of feeling sorry for themselves. BUT instead, they embraced it! Drive-by birthday parades with cards and gifts flying out the window, decorations across the driveway, balloons everywhere, colorful handmade chalk drawings all over the sidewalk, cake and signing over facetime, and best of all, huge smiles across their faces! I’m proud of them for making it as special as ever and maybe even more memorable than a typical birthday gathering?

My heart aches for those with big wedding plans during this season. It’s no secret wedding planning is stressful, but wedding planning during a pandemic?! Wowza! I’m proud of those who have figured out how to adjust. They have been selfless, agile, and worked hard to make it just as special as they initially intended. Intimate ceremonies with 10 or less in place of huge parties with 100 or more — virtual bridal showers instead of stuffy, forced gatherings — video toasts and virtual cheers with those who matter most. No doubt weddings instill memories that are engrained forever, and no doubt this season will create those memories. Dare I say that the memories during this season might be even more meaningful? They will certainly remain unforgettable for a lifetime.

It’s easy to get caught up in the negative but let’s not forget to raise a glass and toast to ALL the good.

Join me in finding extra reasons to celebrate during this uneasy season. Cheers to all the things! Especially to those who have continued celebrating despite the pandemic pandemonium. #findareason #spreadcheer