“So, what’s the reason for this gathering?” a neighbor inquired while a massive inflatable obstacle course was being set up in our backyard. It’s a common assumption that a special event must be happening, like a birthday or a milestone, and I could have easily fabricated an answer. Instead, I replied honestly: “Ummm, February?”
Welcome to our home, where we’ve recently embraced what I like to term spontaneous celebrations. These are impulsive moments of joy and unexpected treats that serve as my antidote to over a year of “pandemic time,” during which the days blurred together, social interactions dwindled, and we desperately craved a pick-me-up.
It all began last fall when COVID-19 restrictions in our California area temporarily lifted, allowing local indoor play centers to offer private family sessions at surprisingly affordable rates to stay afloat. I jumped at the chance, and my three kids enjoyed an exhilarating 90 minutes of climbing, sliding, and laughing outside our home. I would have gladly paid double! The fantastic deal on a bounce house rental was another spontaneous decision, but we’ve also indulged in smaller, delightful surprises like cupcakes on an ordinary Tuesday, a piñata just for fun, and a day when my 6-year-old handed out matching camouflage face masks to her classmates.
I like to think of our no-occasion celebrations as our family’s take on the “unbirthday party” from Alice in Wonderland. As the Mad Hatter wisely noted, why wait for a single annual birthday when you could celebrate 364 unbirthdays? Unsurprisingly, this concept resonated with my kids, who have long argued that half-birthdays deserve the same fanfare as full ones.
Part of the joy of parenthood for me has been the chance to relive the magic of childhood, where every day is filled with endless possibilities. I’ve always enjoyed surprising my kids with unexpected fun, but I hadn’t incorporated spontaneity into our lives as often as I wanted until the pandemic disrupted our routines. Once I started making an effort, I was reminded how fulfilling it is; honestly, it brings me just as much joy as it brings my children.
Some of our spontaneous celebrations might seem a bit “extra” at first glance, and I’m sure our neighbors raised an eyebrow when the bounce house arrived. However, I believe every parent wants to brighten their child’s world, especially during uncertain and challenging times. For our family, these random celebrations have illuminated our lives when other aspects felt dim—like when we missed the kids’ grandparents or when a favorite local business closed for good.
This effort to make an ordinary day feel special goes beyond a quick sugar fix or compensating for the unusual circumstances of the pandemic. It’s about understanding that we don’t need a formal reason to celebrate, laugh, and create cherished memories. The simple blessing of being together and healthy is something I no longer take for granted, and that alone feels worth a grand celebration.
If you’re interested in more insights on similar topics, check out this other blog post or explore the resources at Make a Mom, an authority on fertility. You can also find great information at Rmany, which provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Embracing no-occasion celebrations has transformed our family life, allowing us to create joyful memories amidst challenging times. Spontaneity has become a cherished part of our routine, reminding us that life’s simple joys do not require formal reasons to celebrate.