365 Squarey Monsters: How Do You Celebrate Life’s Little Moments?

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I've always believed in the power of celebration. Growing up, our family didn't have much, but we made time for the big moments, like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Those gatherings reminded us that life is meant to be shared and savored.

That belief is one of the reasons I started 1-800-Flowers.com nearly 50 years ago: to help people celebrate, stay connected, and find meaning in the rituals and traditions that shape our lives. Simply put, celebrations bring us closer to the people we care about.

Over the years, I've come to see that it's not just the big, marked-on-the-calendar events that matter. Some of the most meaningful celebrations are the ones we create on the fly to honor small victories, fresh starts, or even tiny milestones.

Like big celebrations, these little moments remind us how far we've come and just how much our relationships mean. Sometimes called "alt bashes," these micro-occasions prove that joy doesn't need a formal invitation.

The science of small celebrations

Psychologists tell us that celebrating mini milestones activates the brain's reward system. Every small win releases dopamine, the brain's "feel good" chemical, which in turn boosts motivation and builds confidence. These micro-celebrations create a positive feedback loop that fuels long-term progress and helps protect against burnout.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and bestselling author, says:

"So often we think we have to wait until we reach the finish line before we can allow ourselves to celebrate the hard work we've put in. But sometimes celebrating smaller milestones or little victories can be instrumental in helping us stay motivated."

Equally important, these celebrations often become opportunities to lean on our community. When friends and family show up to cheer us on, their support stays with us long after the music fades or the last piece of cake is gone. As Morin says:

"It feels really good to know that your friends and family know you're working hard to reach a goal. And that good feeling? It helps us keep going."

In other words, alt bashes are about acknowledging the courage it takes to keep moving forward. They're about gathering people to celebrate growth. These moments matter, and they deserve to be recognized.

Reasons to celebrate

In recent weeks, members of the Celebrations Pulse community have shared some wonderful ways they mark little victories. One hosts a "You Got the Job!" dinner. Another bakes break-up cakes to help friends move forward. And a new empty nester admitted to quietly celebrating when their kids launched into the world.

Here are five more ideas from our community:

Saying goodbye to the past
Hosting a break-up or divorce party to honor endings that create space for new beginnings. Starting over can be exhilarating.

Quitting a job
Not with bitterness, but with joy for the fresh chapter ahead. Every cloud has a silver lining, as the old saying goes.

Overcoming a health obstacle
Whether it's completing chemo or reaching a recovery milestone, these moments deserve more than quiet acknowledgment.

Reaching a financial milestone
Paying off student loans, credit cards, or a mortgage is worthy of applause, considering how long it may take to pay off these debts.

Expanding family in new ways
Adoption, fostering, or other nontraditional family journeys are beautiful occasions for celebration.

The truth is, there's no wrong reason to throw an alt bash. The only rule is if it matters to you, then the occasion is worth honoring.

A new power to use

Over the years, I've often encouraged you to take simple steps to maintain your relationships. Sending a quick text, making a phone call, or writing an email goes a long way toward staying connected and reminding the people that they matter to us.

Alt bashes are another way to use your power of connection. They're a chance to show up and say, "I see you, and I'm here for you."

So, the next time life gives a reason, big or small, I encourage you to throw an alt bash. You may be surprised by how much joy it brings, not only to you, but to everyone who joins in the fun.

All the best,
Jim

In this week's Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with Maha Abouelenein, a force of nature in global communications and author of The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance.

Maha's path is anything but conventional. After leaving a successful career in the United States at 27 to care for her mother in Egypt, she started over. Maha began her new career as a secretary and rose to lead communications for Google and Netflix across the Middle East. Now back in the U.S. after 23 years abroad, she's reinventing herself again.

In our conversation, Maha talks candidly about building a reputation that matters, creating your own luck, and why service is the secret to meaningful connections. Her story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and the power of betting on yourself.

Have you been through or considered a transformation like Maha's? I'd love to hear your story. Please share it or your thoughts on the episode with me at podcasts@celebrations.com.

More grandparent stories!

For Grandparents Day last week, I shared several community stories on the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. And after we sent the letter, the stories kept coming in!

Patty reminded me of the magic of Sunday visits to her grandparents' small house — the smell of fried chicken sizzling in her grandmother's pan, the comfort of gathering in the living room, and the joy of a grandfather who quietly slipped quarters from his sweater pocket into eager little hands. She continued:

"Those Sundays were a time capsule of love. Their house still stands and anytime we are near that area, I think of fried chicken and hidden quarters waiting for us."

For Grace, the heart of her grandmother's home was always the kitchen. She remembers tall carved chairs, games of dominoes, and the sweet simplicity of warm bread topped with homemade marmalade. "To this day, the only jam that I buy is marmalade. Thank you, Grandma, for the memories," she says.

And Chris shared a fleeting but powerful memory of his Welsh grandfather, who would take him to the playground near his home. With each push on the swing and steady catch at the bottom of the slide, his grandfather was teaching lessons that outlasted childhood:

"The lesson learned was to be brave and encourage others and to know that someone who loves you will always look out for you."

I'd love to keep hearing your grandparent stories. If you have a memory to share, please write to me at celebrationspulse@1800Flowers.com. Your story might inspire or comfort someone in our community.

The return of Royal Riviera Pears

Every year around this time, I start getting the same question from friends, longtime customers, and even people I bump into at the grocery store: "Hey Jim, when are the pears coming?"

Well, I'm happy to share that Royal Riviera® Pears will begin shipping on Tuesday, Sept. 16. And from what I'm hearing from the folks working in the Harry & David orchards in Medford, Oregon, this year's crop is something truly special.

For many of us, the arrival of Royal Riviera® Pears marks the return of a beloved tradition. These gifts aren't just about their incredible flavor; they're about the connection they create. Whether you've been sending them year after year or are discovering them for the first time, each pear reflects a 91-year legacy of care and the joy of sharing something special.

If you've never tried one, let me warn you: Your definition of "pear" is about to change.

Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. If you'd like to be among the first to order this year's harvest, you can click here to get started.

Share your fall traditions

Autumn is about more than pumpkin spice and colorful leaves. It's also about the small rituals and seasonal touches that make this time of year feel so special.

For some, it may be gathering with friends for Sunday football, driving to a farm to pick apples, or taking that first long walk through the fall foliage. For others, it might be the way they decorate, whether it is a porch lined with pumpkins, a festive table setting, or a tradition of putting up autumn touches with loved ones.

I would love to hear your stories. Tell me about the fall rituals that matter to you or share a memory of decorating with family and friends that still makes you smile. And if you are willing, send along a photo of how you decorate for the season.

I'll feature some of your stories and photos in an upcoming Celebrations Pulse, so the whole community can enjoy them. I'll also randomly select five community members who submit a story to receive an autumn-themed basket of treats from the 1-800-Flowers.com family of brands.

A special invitation to Techonomy Impact

If you'll be in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 24, I hope you'll consider joining me at Techonomy Impact, an event that brings together changemakers, innovators, and big thinkers to explore how technology can help solve some of our most urgent challenges.

This year's theme is "Power in Progress," and the focus is on how we can harness innovation to tackle climate change and drive sustainable development. I've always believed in the power of connection, and this gathering is a chance to connect with people who are working to build a better, more resilient future.

As a member of the Celebrations Pulse community, you're invited to attend with a special $250 discount. Just use the code FLOWERS250 when you register.

I'll be there and would love to see you!

Sunday, September 14, 2025

How Do You Celebrate Life’s Little Moments?

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