Talking About Celebrations

When was the last time you celebrated something? Do you like to celebrate your birthday and have a party, and enjoy it when someone gives you a present? Do you always make a wish after you blow out the candles on the cake?

In the UK we also give cards for almost every occasion. We even have special card shops that sell cards and decorations. Just passed your driving test? There’s a card. Just given birth and had a child? There’s a card. Last day at work before retirement? There’s a card. They even have a card for when you move into a new house or flat.

Housewarmings & New Homes

Whenever someone moves into a new house or flat, they often have a housewarming party – a small celebration of their new dwelling. Friends are invited round to have a drink, have a dance and see the new place.

Depending on the culture, you might bring a gift – something homely such as an ornament, new cutlery, or something useful like a frying pan. If it’s not in your culture to bring a gift to a housewarming, you can just come and enjoy the free alcohol and finger-food.

Stag, Hen Parties & Baby Showers

Before a man or woman gets married, they usually have a stag party (for the man) and a hen party (for the woman). These celebrations can be wild. The best example is the film The Hangover.

In the UK they often involve fancy dress – at least the stag or hen does – flying with a budget airline to another country and drinking endless amounts of beer. Brits are known for being very rowdy on stag or hen weekends in cities like Krakow, Prague and Riga.

A more civilised celebration is a baby-shower, a small get-together of friends who give presents and talk about all things baby and girly. The experienced mothers are ready to pass on their advice and the childless ones listen in fear…

Halloween & Themed Parties

Around Halloween, many people put up decorations at home and in the office, including pumpkin bunting. It’s a time when kids dress up in fancy dress, and adults also don costumes. Some people even hire costumes good enough to make you shit yourself when you open the door because they look so gruesome.

These themed parties allow your inner child to come out and play. If you normally wear a suit to work or have a serious office job, it’s a nice change. And be honest, when was the last time you blew up a balloon?

Weddings & Big Celebrations

Without doubt, a wedding and especially the wedding reception is one of the biggest celebrations. Two people come together to spend the rest of their lives as one. But it’s also one of the most stressful events to organise.

You have to find a venue, then hire a venue, design invitations and send out the invitations. If you’re the best-man, there’s extra pressure: you need to write a speech, then give a speech at the wedding reception, and finish by making a toast before everyone hits the dance floor.

Celebrations are important. We all need to escape reality sometimes. So next time you’re blowing up balloons, putting up decorations or setting off fireworks, think about the joy you’re bringing to your guests and how you’re helping them disconnect from everyday life.