Zero-Proof Celebrations That 100% Hit The Mark

It turns out that celebrations during a pandemic have a lot in common with celebrations AF (alcohol free)! You’ve heard the expression that love is spelled T-I-M-E. All across the country, we’ve seen incredible creativity in how people found ways to honor the high school graduates, the expectant parents, the birthday kings and queens! Parades of cars, festooned with streamers and someone popping out of the sunroof belting out a song. Lawn signs. Virtual concerts with artists Zooming in from different locations. One friend was invited on a virtual date and her date arranged for a restaurant meal to be delivered to her home!

We honor people by making them feel special. When I was younger, I more readily took the time to creatively honor a friend or occasion. Are you old enough to remember mixed tapes?! I think we’re lucky to have known them - wow, those gems were the height of thoughtfulness for how much time and attention they required to carefully select and record a meaningful mix of songs precisely for the recipient! Earlier in our marriage, I painted paintings and wrote funny poems in French for my husband’s birthday or our anniversary. I created scrapbooks. But at some point, I just began to associate alcohol with any celebration, and sharing a bottle(s) of wine was pretty much the event.

In my new line of work, I’ve discovered that so many of us have the same concerns about curbing our alcohol intake. How will I celebrate? I asked the same question!

As winemakers/importers, Scott and I have celebrated milestone occasions with meals by renowned chefs, drinking rare bottles of wine, and in beautiful locales. But the most memorable anniversary of all time was year 25, this past May, when Scott surprised me with a funny and sentimental video with greetings and stories submitted in secret by my siblings and their children, and dear friends and wedding guests (including rock stars Bret Michaels and John Waite). No alcohol in sight, and I felt so truly, deeply touched! I felt like the milestone had been thoroughly recognized.

I read about a woman who was the delighted recipient of a drive-by decorated motorcade on her birthday! Not only was she completely touched, but it resulted in her meeting and connecting with some neighbors for the first time ever because they figured anyone who inspired such a thoughtful and fun display of recognition was worth knowing! She felt like a celebrity on her block.

Send me YOUR favorite tips and ideas for zero-proof celebrations!

Wrap it up! (I’ve been cheap or lazy about this one but when you receive a beautifully wrapped gift, you know it makes a difference.

String lights

Decorate with banners and streamers

Blow up balloons and light sparklers

Dress up! Fancy or in costume

Write a card like you mean it

Learn something together – take a class

Volunteer together

Eat dinner in the dark or in a park

Send or order in a bouquet of flowers, cookies, or fruit

Put on a blindfold and take the honoree to a new destination or discovery

Order a fancy dinner in

Take an Airbnb online experience together

Buy yourself the cake of your dreams

Visit a teahouse

Indulge in a pedicure

Start a new tradition like a fun run

Make a playlist or video

Learn to sing happy birthday in a different language

Try roller skating or scootering

Have a perfume made just for you

Sit in a café with a new journal