Cheers to Celebrations!

Perhaps it’s because I am an optimist, but I feel like the world is a little happier these days. I think the idea that we have a vaccine for COVID-19 contributes, but there’s more to it. It’s spring – the flowering plants, new green leaves and baby animals being born – the whole world feels young and upbeat. 

I was considering all this the other day and realized most people don’t celebrate enough. Years ago, I was planning a day off for a birthday celebration and someone asked me why I only celebrate that one day each year, after all, he said, each day only comes once a year. That thought resonated with me and I resolved to celebrate more often.

Over the weekend it was “Pi Day” — March 14 or 3/14 is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. I am absolutely NOT a math person, but I am a pie person, so on that day each year I joyfully link my thoughts to mathematicians and find a way to celebrate with pie. Greg and I popped out to a favorite local place, Tonto Bar and Grill, and dug into their version of pie. The desert take on lemon meringue includes prickly pear meringue and raspberries.

It was the latest in occasions I seek out to celebrate. I am not alone. Religions around the world have many days throughout the year where they celebrate their faith. A favorite and crazy colorful one is the Hindu festival of Holi. The annual springtime festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. Even in the US there are plenty of places you can celebrate Holi … one of our favorite places is a beloved Virginia winery, Narmada Winery. Founded by an Indian couple, Hindu celebrations are a part of the wineries events and Holi is no exception. 

Of course, there are dozens of reasons to raise a glass to spring, but when it comes to finding reasons to be festive, the calendar is packed with year-round options. Beyond the classics — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. — there’s a reason to celebrate every day. The convenience chain 7-eleven offers free slurpees on July 11 – who doesn’t love free? Most donut stores and chains give away free donuts on “Donut Day” on the first Friday of June. 

Grab your pirate eye patch and head out on September 19 for “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Shine your shoes and put them out for St. Nicholas on December 5. Grab a straw and pick your favorite flavor to celebrate milkshakes on June 20. Heck, just grab a couple of bottles of wine and invite some friends for an impromptu wine-tasting-and-friendship festival.

It’s super easy to justify a celebration. Over the weekend a friend called to tell us she would be passing through Phoenix. We made plans to connect and celebrate our friendship over In-N-Out burgers. Anything can be celebrated. Don’t depend on anyone else to give you a reason. Find your own! Celebrate today, Tuesday March 16. After all, it only comes around once a year. 

There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Celebrate while you explore.

© The World A to Z, LLC 2021 — Unless otherwise indicated, no compensation was received for this blog.