“To celebrate” is to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, or holiday.

Many of us have had a month or more of doing just that: parties, concerts, homecomings, special meals, decorations, and gift giving. And hopefully most of it was enjoyable, even amidst the inevitable stress of more baking, more cooking, more shopping, and more of everything.

I love to hear about how other people celebrate, so I posed a question on Facebook asking my friends “How do YOU celebrate?”

Here are some of their responses:

“At this time of year, we strive to connect with each other, opening our hearts to extended family.” (MT)
“Friends, family, fun, and food!” (BK)
“We enjoy our family being together, playing games and cooking and hanging out, doing the little things together.” (DV)
“Family time, cooking, baking, music, games, and fun Christmas shows that bring the family together.” (JB)
“We make a gingerbread house.” (SJ)

What comes up over and over is this: celebrating often means being with others and connecting with others, and this also typically means sharing food and sharing activities (“doing the little things together” or “making a gingerbread house”).

Although we may sometimes choose to celebrate in private, celebrating by connecting to others through shared meals and activities is a common and heartfelt experience for many of us.

And, what if we don’t even need to wait for a big holiday to celebrate and connect with others?

Here’s what DV says about celebrating in general: “First of all, I do my best to notice there is something to be celebrated… then I “rub it in” (notice for real, and reinforce the real-ness by physically rubbing in the good comment or thing to celebrate to my heart) … then I share about whatever I am celebrating with friends, perhaps through a call or some hangout time or on Facebook.”

I love how this incorporates the essence of celebrations: sharing and connecting with others, even when you’re celebrating the “little” things in life, such as a good performance review at your job, or doing well on an exam at school.

Celebrating and connecting with others: what a wonderful way to live! Let’s all do more of that in 2017!

--Ann Pillman