Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and job promotions are just some of the happy times that call for a celebration. But why does food always seem to be a required guest at these special events?
Is it actually possible to celebrate an event or special occasion without food or drink?
Not only is this possible, but it can be also be a fun challenge to think of ways to capture that “opening the champagne” feeling… without the champagne.
Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Get pampered. Why not celebrate an event with a special friend by pampering yourselves with a massage, new haircut or spa day? Rather than spend money on restaurant food, spend it on a special treat that will make you feel like a “queen for a day.” This kind of self-nurturing can make you feel revitalized and refreshed – ready to take on whatever challenge comes your way. If it’s holiday time and you have lots of relatives to keep busy, let the women go for some pampering while the guys spend time playing cards or touch football – or at least watching football.
2. See a show. Whether it’s a comedy show, concert, sporting event, theater performance or the latest movie, you can get yourself tickets and look forward to a fun night out with family or friends. Okay, so there may be food at a sporting event or popcorn at the movies, but typically food only has a supporting role – it’s not the main event! What’s wrong with changing things up a bit and having a light meal at home before a fun event?
3. Take a free field trip. Finding fun things to do for free in your city or area is a challenge but it’s not impossible. Just by doing an internet search for free things to do in Chicago I came up with visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, many different museums on their free visitor days, Millennium Park, Navy Pier or walking through a sculpture park on the North Shore. The next time you have something to celebrate, check your local community for places to visit and make a special outing with family or friends.
4. Say cheese! Rather than nibbling on cheese, how about saying “Cheese!” for the camera? To celebrate a special occasion, arrange a session with a photographer (a family member with a digital camera will do!). You can frame the picture and let it be a warm reminder of the time spent celebrating your birthday, anniversary or holiday.
I hope these tips will remind you that there are many ways to celebrate a special occasion where food and drink aren’t the main event! |
