Hello, everyone! We wanted to let all of you know out there that we know these times are tough…ESPECIALLY when you had so many big things planned and scheduled, only to find out they had to be postponed, canceled, or done on a smaller scale. I wanted to write this blog post to help you know how you can still be celebrating in quarantine!
A little of my background:
I started school back in the fall of 2014. I was fresh out of high school and had no idea what was in store for me. Many changes occurred during this time, as most people experience. I went through a change in major, serving a mission, getting married, and so much more.
I tell you this because, like most situations that have a celebration related to it, there are so many things that lead you to that point. We have our own things worth celebrating because it was a journey to get there!
Whether or not you graduated specifically, having a major life event occur during this pandemic is challenging. For those of you who have had to postpone, cancel, or celebrate with a limited number of people, we feel for you. Anna and I both are having major life changes right now: Anna is becoming a mother and I graduated college on Thursday, April 9th. We want you to know that we are right there with you as these unknowns are occurring.
To get to the point, we want to help you make your days special and give ways you can be celebrating in quarantine. Here is a list of things that can make any day special, regardless of your circumstances:
Get Ready for the Day
Today is the day to pamper yourself. Do a face mask, your nails, your hair, and makeup! Do exactly what you would do if you were graduating, getting married, celebrating an anniversary, etc. Things feel more real to me when I am ready for the day!
Put on Celebratory Music
There are lots of playlists on Spotify that are meant for parties and celebrations! Turn it on when you are getting ready, making dinner, or anything that needs a little music!
Make a Special Dinner
On the 9th, my husband and I made a steak dinner! You don’t have to have the same meal, but make what you like the best. If you don’t like cooking, lots of restaurants are still doing delivery/takeout. The goal is to do something a little fancier than normal!
Play Games Virtually with Your Family & Friends
Family and friends are usually key components when it comes to your special events. It is important to find ways to still include them when you are celebrating in quarantine. Any virtual game will do!
One of my favorite group games is from Jackbox.tv. We tried a virtual game via Zoom and it worked out so well! We all logged in from our phones and had the Zoom call on our computers and hooked up to our TV’s so we could see the game and interact at the same time. It was a blast!
Get Outside
While complying with current regulations, you can still get out and have some fun on your special day. Plan a walk around the neighborhood, have a picnic, or go on a small hike! Anna says:
“It not only provides a breath of fresh air but it rejuvenates our bodies. We need sunlight and fresh air for our emotional and physical well beings. Our minds and souls thrive with the balance of being inside and outside.
Don’t forget to get outside even though we have to stick to staying in our homes most of the time. Josh and I love hiking (if you didn’t know I talk about how much we love that and the outdoors in my ABOUT ME page and all the time on Instagram).
We know that since the baby is coming and I will be in recovery for a while that we won’t have as much time to take advantage of the outdoors. We have been hiking at least 3 times a week to ensure we fulfill our lives with the thing we love until baby pops! The days we don’t get outside we make sure to take a walk around the neighborhood, which is also just as fun and refreshing.”
Buy Plants and Take Care of Them
Not only are plants beautiful, but they will serve as a reminder every time you look at them of your special day. Anna says:
“There is something to be said for taking care of another life. I love my plants. Right now I have 6 plants that I take care of. 3 that need constant sunlight and weekly (or more) waterings and 3 that can survive with minimal light and water. It gives me something to do and brightens areas of my home. It gives me a job to do and I love watching them grow!
If you need a plant to buy and are a first-time plant owner, I suggest investing in something easy. Bamboo plants, any Sanseveria Plants, or basil plants (or start with the basil seeds – they are amazing to watch sprout!) are really easy to maintain (I have one of each of those).”
Do Something Fun!
The point of this is just to get out of the norm. For graduation, we put up a tent in the middle of our living room and camped out there. Get creative and do something you will remember!
The goal of all of these tips is to help you make your day special and different even though it may not be the most ideal situation right now! Celebrating in quarantine obviously isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate at all. Enjoy yourself, your accomplishments, and your blessings. These are the stories you will share with your future kids and grand kids.
Congratulations to you all!
