Graduation parties are typically full of pomp and circumstance. But these days, not everyone feels comfortable celebrating in big groups. But celebrate you must! Granted, for parents, high school graduation can be a bittersweet time. Some parents are sending their kids off into an unknown future or sending them far away. It’s so exciting for the student, however, and that’s why a celebration of some sort is warranted. A whole school career has come to its culmination.
How can you think outside the box and celebrate in a way that makes attendees feel safe during an event when we are still in the midst of a pandemic?
- Go Somewhere. Why not take a trip instead? Use the funds you would have spent on a big party and take a mini vacation. Road trips have become the preferred mode of travel lately, and you can even have your teen share the driving responsibility! You don’t have to leave the state—California has endless natural landscapes and wonders to explore. If you do some research, cheap flights are possible, too. Either way, a place your graduate wants to see and experience is a great alternative to celebrating with a party. The memories made will matter far more than the location.
- Concert, Spa Day, or Comedy Show. We have all missed live music these past two years. Book tickets to your grad’s favorite band and surprise them. Or plan a spa day for the ultimate in relaxation and celebration. Take them to a comedy show—this is a great way to bond over laughter, which we all need heaps of now. Invite a friend and/or friends for your graduate to share in these experiences.
- Pool or Beach Party. An outdoor celebration that is reminiscent of childhood but can still be “grown up”—that’s a pool party! If you don’t have a pool, many local pools can be rented for an afternoon. This is a great way to cool off and still provide elements of an indoor party. You can do decorations, cake, presents, and food. Same for a beach party, which is even better if you can throw in a volleyball net or host it at sunset and have a bonfire.
- Give Them Cash. If your grad isn’t interested in a party, give them cash to start off their college or work life on a good foot. You can even earmark it for travel, telling them that they must save that money and use it towards a special trip they have always wanted to take. Or let them splurge on extra décor and luxurious bedding if they will be moving into a dorm.
- Do Good. Is your graduate an activist or social justice warrior? Donate money (in their name) to a cause they’re passionate about. Volunteer with them if they’d rather do that. This can be the stuff great memories are made of all while helping to make the world a bit better.
- Backyard Bash. You can always keep it simple and host an outdoor party at your own home. Decorations, balloons, signs, and fanfare encouraged. This is an occasion that deserves to be celebrated however you and your graduate want. If budget allows, have the grad’s favorite food catered. Center the theme around what your student loves—this is about their accomplishments!
Don’t let this time slip by without marking it in some way. Celebrate your student, but also give yourself a pat on the back for seeing them through a whole school career. Most likely, they couldn’t have done it without you.
Nadia Morgan is an East Coast native who now feels truly at home on the West Coast. She has a degree in writing. A military wife of 20 years, Nadia is Editorial Assistant for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. You can reach her by email at editorial@montereybayparent.com