Let’s Talk About Celebration

I recently joined a fabulous group of women for a global writing challenge—Gail from Is This Mutton (UK) Deb from Deb’sWorld (Australia), Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style (USA),  Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK), Australian blogger Sue Loncaric from Women Living Well After 50, Leslie Clingan from Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After and Marsha from Marsha In The Middle. On the third Thursday of every month we’ll respond to the prompt “Tell Us About XXX” which could cover any subject matter. It could be a blog post with opinions or memories; a poem,  photos, anything at all. Last month, the challenge was Laughter and was prompted by Gail. This month, Deb chose the fabulous prompt of…Celebration.

Step into my world, where celebrations aren’t about grand spectacles but the simple beauty of everyday moments—the quiet joy, unexpected journeys, and the memories that weave the fabric of our lives.

Just Us Two: In the realm of celebrations, my husband Michael and I have a penchant for simplicity. Flashy gatherings are not really our style. It’s just the two of us, revelling in the ordinary and finding magic in the day-to-day. No extravagant parties, just the sweet symphony of our shared moments, and the occasional dinner with friends. Don’t get me wrong, we do love extravagant events, we just don’t host them ourselves lol!

Home for the Holidays: Once upon a time, Christmas meant crossing borders to the UK. Now, since my Mother-in-law passed away almost two years ago, things have shifted. Christmas is a cozy affair with my husband, my dad, my stepfather-in-law, and me, all huddled together at home with Myrtle, Shannon, Sadie (sister cats) and Luna the Portuguese Podengo. The air is filled with the warmth of family and the laughter that comes with cherished memories.

Milestone Travels: I think milestones deserve more than a mere toast. Take my 40th, for example—we embarked on an adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Wales, which was wonderful! We spent one week with my brother and his family in the south, and another in the north with friends. And another birthday (which is Boxing Day, by the way) we boarded a plane bound for the USA, gaining an extra six hours to savour the joy of celebration. Practical, cheaper flights, and downright enjoyable! I considered that entire trip to be a celebration. It was wonderful (but oh so cold in Boston at the time!).

Renewing Vows, Building Dreams: Almost eight years ago, my husband Michael proposed to me again, sparking a new chapter in our journey. With a beautiful new ring and a promise to renew our vows, we dreamed of a grand celebration—a beautiful new wedding dress, a proper reception. It’s a dream that’s on hold for now as we build our dream home. The excitement simmers, and though the date is uncertain, the anticipation of that future celebration adds a special sparkle to our journey.

Love’s Grand Symphony: If we were to talk about our grandest celebration, it would be our wedding day in 1998. Simple, sweet, and meaningful, it unfolded in the quaint church of Praia da Luz. No real grandeur, just the harmonious melody of love, shared with 70 dear friends at a charming hotel in Alvor. I was 22 years old and wearing a pretty dress that was borrowed from a family member!

We did have a little party five years ago, on our 20th wedding anniversary with just a few of our closest friends. Here’s a couple of photos of us then (my hair was way too short lol!):

Missing the Party Days: Ah, the ’90s parties hosted by my late father-in-law and his wife—a chapter of joy etched in our memories. No need for extravagance; those gatherings were all about pure, unadulterated fun. I miss those times, the laughter, and the spontaneous moments of delight. They set the bar high, leaving behind a legacy of good times.

Life, in our world, isn’t always about elaborate celebrations. It’s about finding joy in the mundane, creating memories that withstand the test of time. Whether it’s a tranquil evening at home, an exhilarating milestone adventure, or the anticipation of a future vow renewal, let’s savour life in its simplicity and continue celebrating! Here’s to the wonder of the everyday—the highs, the lows, and the beautiful chaos in between. Cheers to life!

Debbie doesn’t have grand parties or drink to excess, so it’s not the party lifestyle she’s seeking, it’s the joy of celebrating with friends and family, and being in the moment that counts. Debbie looks back at some big celebrations and shares the moments of joy with her readers. www.debs-world.com

Gail from Is This Mutton goes back to the 60s to recount a typical birthday and Christmas in her childhood.  Expect lucky bags and a hedgehog made of a potato.  https://www.isthismutton.com

For this month’s prompt, Leslie is sharing celebrations past and present and the special moments she hopes to celebrate in the very near future. https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/

Marsha recounts the years leading up to and including her daughter’s wedding…a week before Christmas!  https://marshainthemiddle.com/

If there’s one thing Mary Katherine and her crew know how to do, it’s celebrate.  Read about some epic celebration here:  https://mksadventure.com/

Penny remembers Christmases past and present and ends with a big shout-out to all low-paid workers in those essential jobs and the many volunteers who give their time to run so many things. Let’s celebrate those wonderful people. https://frugalfashionshopper.co.uk/

Sue loves a celebration especially during the Festive Season spending time with family and friends.  For Celebration prompt Sue is taking a different angle and looks at areas in our life that we could celebrate more. Women Over 50 Living Well – Women Living Well After 50