Celebrating the Little Things

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January is always a bit of a disappointing month for me. Christmas, and all the anticipation that comes with it, is over. It’s usually cold and kind of blah outside. And there’s not much excitement planned.

This year, as the COVID numbers head back up, it’s even harder for me to get excited. I’m constantly wondering if we’re on the cusp of replaying March 2020: is everything going to shut back down and leave us hanging, all over again? I can’t help but think of the Shari Lewis song, “The Song That Never Ends.” If you replace “song” with “pandemic,” it goes a little something like this: “This is the pandemic that doesn’t end. Yes, it goes on and on my friend…” 

Several months ago, in the midst of our most locked down phase, I realized that us moms play a big role in boosting the morale in our homes.

We wear many hats, and that includes that of “Morale Booster.” We didn’t have a choice but to be home day after day after day. We didn’t have much of a choice about not seeing friends and family. But we do have a choice to be happy.

And then I had a lightbulb moment in the middle of Publix: let’s get a treat! I veered from the grocery list and impulsively purchased Pop-tarts. (I’m not even sure if my kids had ever even tasted them before.) They loved them! And before I knew it, we had created Pop-tart Friday. That’s right: most Fridays, the kids eat Pop-tarts, with a side of fruit. It’s not the healthiest breakfast in the world, but it’s something small that brings them joy. It’s something small that brings consistency back into their little worlds.

I’m not the most impulsive person ever. I like to make a plan and stick with it. But now I’m challenging myself to look for little ways to brighten my kids’ days. Some of our days are pretty monotonous, given that most of our favorite activities are still not happening.

So I’m looking for ways to celebrate the little things. Here’s what we’ve been doing:

Stuffed Animal Birthday Party

Yep. One time we threw a birthday party for a random stuffed animal. One day, my 4-year-old son declared it was Dinosaury’s birthday. Dinosaury is modest and hadn’t said a word of this to me. But I immediately sprung into action. My son made decorations and I made a cake. Because, why not?

Family TV Night

My kids go to bed pretty early. (It’s a sanity saver for me.) But sometimes, especially when nothing important is happening the next day, we stay up late for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Usually my kids will be getting ready for bed when I’ll surprise them and tell them they can stay up and watch their favorite gameshows. (I had no idea an 8-year-old and 6-year-old would love watching Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek do their thing.) They feel special being allowed to stay up past their bedtime, and take pride when they know some of the answers. They’re both planning which shows they’ll be on one day and what they’ll do with their winnings.

Car Picnics

It’s hard to go out to eat right now. So many places are closed for indoor dining and it’s difficult to know who is open. Our solution? Car picnics! We started randomly having car picnics several years ago, when my husband would attend a monthly late Sunday meeting. The best part about a dinner car picnic is that you can wear your jammies, go through a favorite drive-thru and eat in the back of your car.

Things We Do Just Because

Some sad days just warrant a chocolate chip bagel run to Panera or slushies at Sonic. Just because.

What do you like to do to make an ordinary day feel a bit more special?

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Kate Rhea
Kate is a self proclaimed news geek who has worked in radio, on the air and behind the scenes, for the last 17 years. She and her husband moved to Columbia in 2011 with the intent of staying just five years...but they never ended up leaving. Originally from upstate NY, Kate has also lived in Chattanooga and Los Angeles. (Notice the theme? She moved away from the snow and never wants to deal with it again.) Kate stays home with her three children and homeschools the oldest two. Her work from home gig includes editing audio for a radio program that airs worldwide. She is active in her church, is passionate about orphan care and will never turn down chocolate. When stressed, you can find her baking or crafting while singing along to the Hamilton soundtrack.

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