Make Special Occasions Special Again

Make Special Occasions Special Again

Before I get into this, I want you to know where I’m coming from. 

I work hard and I know how hard you work. I’m busy and I know how busy you are.

Life is a lot. 

Because of that, it’s so important to totally maximize and optimize your down time and your special occasions. That’s what I want for myself and that’s what I want for you.

And I know we have a lot to be grateful for…but if we could just sand off the edges here and there, that could make things better. 

Let’s go!

When did special occasions get less special? 

When did some of them suck? 

You know what I’m talking about. 

Maybe Christmas used to be awesome, but now it’s a drag. Maybe it’s birthdays for you, or New Years. 

Odds are, there’s some special occasion that used to be your favorite, but isn’t anymore. 

And that sucks. 

I say “no more.” Let’s figure out how to make special occasions special again.

This isn’t Christmas specific, but we’ll use it as our example. 

There are some really important things to pay attention to. I’ve got two boys, ages five and two. How many more Christmas’ will my oldest believe in Santa? I better maximize that. 

My parents are in their seventies, how many more Christmas’ do I have with them? I’m 43, how many more do I have left? 

You get the point. There are similar scenarios for your life. 

Here’s the exercise I urge you to go through:

• What did it use to mean?
• What doesn’t it mean anymore?
• What would you like it to mean?
• What changes would have to happen?
• What would happen if you made those changes? 
• What will you do?

For your favorite special occasion(s), what did it used to mean to you? 

What was it like? 

I imagine you’d tell me things like “it was magical and amazing,” or you’d use words like fun and blissful. At least I hope that’s the case. 

Next, what doesn’t it mean anymore? 

Is it no longer any of those things? Is it more trouble than it’s worth? Or maybe it’s great, just slightly less good. Why isn’t it like it used to be?

While this isn’t a complete list, here are some common reasons special occasions have become slightly less special:

• People. Relatives, in-laws, etc.
• Too expensive. 
• Travel.
• You don’t get input and it’s on someone else’s terms. 
• The food sucks.
• You sit around and do nothing.
• There’s too much drinking/not enough drinking.

Next, what would you like this special occasion to mean again?

It may not be possible to do it, but what if it were? What would you like this special occasion to mean once again? 

Would you recreate the feelings you had on Christmas morning? Your 21st birthday? How would you want to feel?

Next, what changes would have to happen?

Be honest about this. Go with your gut and trust your instincts. It’s just you and me talking. 

Next, what would happen if you made these changes?

Now, spending Christmas in prison will not make this special day more special. Let’s not get crazy. 

I’m suggesting you figure out what you want your special occasion to look like. I mean, literally map out the entire day or experience hour-to-hour. 

Think about who you want to be with, what you’ll be doing, what you’ll be eating; think about everything. 

Think “this is what I want.” Now, look at what it was last year, and then think about what you’ll need to do to close that gap. 

And if you did those things, what would happen? Would feathers be ruffled? Would people lose their minds? Would you be written out of the will? Would anyone notice? 

Then make the decision. Is the juice worth the squeeze? 

I can already hear many of you saying it. 

“It’s not that bad.” “It’s not worth the trouble.” “Better to leave well enough alone.”

Maybe. Maybe not. 

What I know for sure is this; life’s too short and it’s too long to spend another Christmas or special day doing something you don’t want to do. 

Your special occasions should be special. Advocate for yourself. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year