25-09 - Flipbook - Page 67
September
August 2025
Of course there are the typical events, like birthdays and holidays, but
you9re not restricted to just those. You can expand your celebrations to
include whatever you want. Think of dates that mark lesser known yet
meaningful memories or occasions, such as your dating anniversary or your
beloved pet9s birthday. Or consider the things that happen less
unpredictably, such as getting a new job or big promotion, the kids making
the honor roll or losing their first tooth, or the first big snowfall of the season.
Not every day needs to be a party, but finding reasons to celebrate is a
simple way to add joy, intention, and quality time to your lives amidst the
daily grind.
How do you celebrate?
While what you celebrate is obviously an important part of your
celebration culture, how you celebrate is perhaps what makes it one-of-akind. Do you go big on everything? Do you keep things pretty low-key, but
go all-out for particular milestones or achievements? Do you celebrate
with gifts, experiences, food, or a combination of all? Who celebrates with
you? Do you keep it small with just immediate family, or do extended
family and friends join the fun? In the moment, these just seem like logistical
decisions, but collectively they create the overall dynamic of your
celebration culture.
Do what works for you.
With social media, we get to see what everyone else is celebrating and
how that looks. If over-the-top decorations, picture-perfect charcuterie
tables, or trendy themed birthday parties bring you and your family joy,
then embrace that! But don9t let it pressure you into feeling like you have
to do that, too. The quirky and casual celebrations and traditions you
create can be just as meaningful.
Be intentional, but flexible.
If there are things that your family did growing up that you really loved 3 or
didn9t love 3 you can make a decision with your spouse about whether you
want to carry that into your marriage and family. Just remember that
nothing is set in stone. Your celebration culture, just like the family traditions
that have been around for generations, can and will evolve. For example,
the way you celebrate might change as you go through different life
stages with your spouse or as your children grow. Similarly, if you and your
spouse grew up with very different celebration cultures, it might take some
time to figure out what9s right for your marriage, so be open-minded when
it comes to incorporating new things.
Your marriage is one-of-a-kind for many reasons 3 your personalities,
backgrounds, upbringing, and experiences all come together in a unique
and dynamic way, giving your relationship a sense of depth and
complexity that cannot be replicated. Your celebration culture is part of
that. It9s a joyful opportunity to express yourself as a couple or a
family.
