But it seems the default way to celebrate is with sugary foods. You got an A on your report card, finished that big project you were working on, won the race, earned a promotion.... let's bake a cake, go out for ice cream, enjoy some cookies.
My ministering sister stopped by this week for a sweet visit and she brought a pretty bag of fancy chocolates. And I recognize the effort for what it was. A kind acknowledgment of friendship and caring. But are there other ways to express this?
As a parent or grandparent, friend and neighbor and even for our own selves we often kick up the fun and celebration by enjoying a fun dessert. It's an easy way to set this time aside as something "special". But there are other ways to celebrate. Let's look at this list and see if there isn't something we can use to reward ourselves or those we love.
1. Manicure- Give yourself or loved one a manicure or pedicure (or go out and enjoy a professional one). Maybe even paint the nails in a way that commemorates what you are celebrating.
2. Read or re-read a favorite book. If you are celebrating with a grandchild why not bring a new or used book wrapped in pretty paper and read it together?" I heard you got a ribbon in swim lessons and I wanted to celebrate by reading you one of my favorite stories." You can embellish by wearing a costume (just a funny hat?) or doing funny voices while reading. Or go to the library to peruse and check out something wonderful.
3. Bubble bath. Draw one for yourself, spouse or grandchild. Or for the grands offer glow in the dark sticks to play with in the bath tub.
4. Listen to your favorite music. Share it with family or friends. Have a one song dance party to celebrate an accomplishment. "Aunt Suzy just got promoted at work let's put on her favorite song and DANCE"
5. Walk or Bike. "Honey I'm so proud of you let's go on a long walk." "You got an A on your math exam- family bike ride time!"
6. Get artistic. "Grandpa just got a hole in one. Let's all paint, draw, sketch... him a congratulations card!" Or grab the supplies and do a YouTube drawing tutorial together to celebrate someone's accomplishment.
7. Give service. Your brother Mike just scored a goal - let's wash and vacuum his car for him. Jennifer earned good grades on her report card let's wash her sheets and make her bed.
8. Have a tiny tea party. Herbal tea, honey or real sugar cubes, and fancy tea cups. "I'm so happy you did well at your piano recital- let's get fancy and have tea together and you can tell me all about it."
9. Photo time. Of course we take photos at our relative's ball games, chorus recitals and school plays but let's take a photo of Jimmy holding his excellent math paper, Grandpa standing in the garage he just cleaned out, or Duke showing his screen when he's done 100 days of duolingo,
10. Light candles. This one is so easy. You might even have a favorite scent or container and designate this candle the one you light when someone you love has done something worth celebrating. Or maybe a candlelight dinner is your way to say hoorah to someone you love that has excelled in some way.
11. Enjoy your (or your neighbors) pets. Woot Woot! You finished that project. Let's walk the dog or play fetch or pet the cat!
12. Play a board or card game. "Becky made us so proud today. She gets to choose a game to play after dinner."
13. Massage. Get a professional one to celebrate. Or give one. "You did so well today Cathy. Sit down I'm giving you my deluxe foot massage."
14. Plants. Commemorate an accomplishment by planting something beautiful in your yard or by gathering or even purchasing a bouquet.
15. Decorate. Celebrate with balloons, streamers, poster or even a special place setting. When I was raising my children we had a red plate that said "You are Special on it" and serving dinner to the family member on that plate applauded their accomplishment.
Those are just a few ways to celebrate. Please feel free to add your favorite non-food ways to celebrate and share them in the comments. And what is our challenge?
Find an accomplishment (your own or someone you love) this week that you might normally celebrate with dessert and find a different way to commemorate the accomplishment. Do that and earn our 35 weekly bonus points.
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