"The only thing constant in life is change"*

Many changes are minor. Others are huge and have important consequences .... to our roles and responsibilities, time management, self image and confidence, to our physical,spiritual or psychological, economic and emotional security.

Any change involves both a loss and a gain. Mostly we think of our celebrations as gains, except when we mark losses such as the death of a loved one with a funeral or memorial ceremony.

As all parents know, the gift of a child and parenthood is also marks the loss of the single life. Just as the death of a partner means the return to a single life, which may be less burdensome, particularly if one's partner was sick and disabled.

Ceremonies and celebrations can be powerful occasions to mark such big changes, and support us in embracing our new lives.

What's why letting "the celebration be the gift".. can be the most precious gift of all.