The world can be a hard place sometimes. Everyone deals with struggles and hardships from time to time. Sometimes a setback lasts a long time. Other times struggle and hard work leads to victory. That’s why focusing on the good stuff can really make you feel better.
Celebrating major life events is a way to mark the wonderful and positive things in life. Whether it’s a new job, graduation, or the birth of a child, there’s a way to celebrate the milestone. Some major milestones are also bittersweet, like the death of a loved one. Thankfully, you can still honor and celebrate their life as well. No matter the big event, there are ways to show you care.
You don’t have to be extravagant or break the bank either. Keep reading for simple ways to celebrate major life events.
1. Difficult Life Moments
Difficult life moments can cause people to turn inward and not ask for help. Showing up for your people in these seasons can really show them you care and love them. The loss and grief experienced after a death can be overwhelming. Yet, you can still celebrate the life of their loved one in a few simple ways. One way is by simply showing up.
Attending the visitation, celebration of life, or funeral to offer a hug and support can mean the world to your loved one. Sending food or sympathy gifts can also be a kind gesture. Other acts of kindness could include delivering some essential groceries like milk, bread, frozen pizzas, and toilet paper; You could also stop by and mow their yard or shovel their walk depending on the time of year.
Offering to come over for a movie night or to help with chores and just hang out is another simple option to show you care. Sitting in the difficult moments with those hurting can make a bigger impact than you realize. These tips can also be helpful for those going through depression, job loss, miscarriage, or a scary medical diagnosis. While difficult times might not lead to a celebration in the traditional sense, they do deserve recognition.
2. Graduations and Promotions
On the other side of life’s challenging moments are getting to celebrate hard work paying off. Graduations, getting a job, and job promotions are all big life events to celebrate. If school or the job hunt have been challenging, you can celebrate the steps along the way too. Maybe your child really struggled in biology. Taking them out for their favorite dinner when they pass the class can show them how proud you are of their work.
In the job hunting process, you can make your spouse their favorite dinner when they get the interview invitation. When graduation or the job offer comes, you can do the special dinner or dessert again. You could also get them a new computer bag or a gift card to a coffee shop they enjoy. To memorialize a great accomplishment, like attaining a degree, get a nice frame for their graduation picture and diploma to display proudly
Another way you could mark the occasion is by throwing a party to let others come and celebrate with you all. Graduation parties are really popular. They don’t have to break the bank either. You can plan a small gathering at your house. For food, set up a walking taco bar or sandwich assembly line. Or, you could have a party mid afternoon and just have a snack and cupcakes. The food possibilities are endless. Just remember to focus on the graduate or new employee.
3. Family Additions
Adding to your family is another huge life milestone to celebrate. Getting a new puppy can be one such moment to toast. Simple gifts you can get your loved one are puppy food, treats, toys, and carpet cleaner for potty training. Coming over to play and meet the puppy can also mean a lot to the owner.
Engagements and marriage is another family milestone to commemorate. Attending the wedding is one way to show your support. There are so many gift options for newlyweds. If they’re moving in together, they may want to upgrade appliances or dishwear. They might also enjoy experiences to do together, like cooking classes or a wine tasting. Contributing toward their honeymoon is another way to help them keep enjoying the start to their new life together. Keep the couple in mind when choosing a gift, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Another huge milestone for those who want children is pregnancy and having a baby. Celebrate the announcement and new parents with a gift certificate to their favorite place. Sending baby gifts for the baby shower and attending shows your support as well. If you’re a great hostess yourself, you could also throw a diaper party for the new parents and ask guests to bring a pack of diapers. There are so many options to celebrate new parents.
Oftentimes, people you love just want to know you care during the important moments throughout their life. Showing up means more than you know. Time and effort is one of the most precious things you can give to others. As you go through life, being there through all the events can be so special. From graduation to engagement to marriage to birthdays and even death, take note of the defining moments throughout life. It shows you love them and you care.