Why We Need to Celebrate More
The image above is of my family and I at a street party celebrating the wedding of Charles and Diana. My childhood was full of moments like this - big and small. Growing up in the 80s, it felt like there was always something to celebrate. There were the big street parties, of course, but also endless impromptu gatherings at friends’ houses, weekly birthday parties crowded around dining tables with jelly and ice cream, roller discos, and Friday night movie nights (complete with a trip to Blockbuster).
Every weekend my parents seemed to be heading out - or hosting - a dinner party or drinks night. Weddings, christenings, fêtes, festivals, sporting events… the calendar was full of reasons to get together.
Looking back, it’s no surprise I caught the party bug, I’ve spent over a decade working in the events industry. But more than that, I grew up believing that celebrating, in whatever form it takes, is the best part of life. And lately, it’s hard not to notice how much that’s changed.
Somewhere along the way, our calendars got quieter. The big gatherings that used to anchor the year; weddings, birthdays, work dos, street parties - seem to be happening less often. And when they do, they often look a little different.
This isn’t just a feeling. It’s backed by real trends: weddings in England and Wales have fallen by more than 20% over the past two decades, people are hosting fewer dinner parties, and time spent socialising has steadily dropped. But here’s the thing: our desire to connect hasn’t gone anywhere.
Why we’re gathering less
There are a lot of reasons for the slowdown. The cost of living has made hosting feel expensive; food, drink, travel, decorations, all adding up. Homes often feel too small to entertain. Busy work lives, long commutes, and a digital world that can make us feel “social” without ever leaving the sofa all play their part.
And let’s be honest, social media hasn’t helped. When every celebration online looks Pinterest-perfect, we start believing a gathering has to be big and flawless to count. If it’s not a styled event with a balloon arch and a grazing table, it’s easy to feel like it’s not “worth” doing. So… we quietly stop.
We’re gathering less - but we still want to connect
According to new research from Opinium (March 2025), over half of UK adults (52%) only meet with friends or their wider social circle once a month or less, and one in five Boomers say they never socialise with friends at all.
But here’s the key: we want to. Nearly a third (30%) of people say they wish they socialised more often. Four in ten say cost is one of the biggest things holding them back, alongside time, energy and confidence.
This gap - between the desire to connect and the barriers that stop us - is exactly why small, simple celebrations matter more than ever.
Even workplaces are gathering differently
It’s not just our personal lives that have shifted. Even the traditional office Christmas party is changing. A recent survey reported by Nasdaq found that fewer than half of workplaces now host regular in-person holiday celebrations.
Younger generations are driving this change: many prefer smaller, more inclusive, lower-pressure get-togethers over the big, formal, desk-to-dancefloor parties of the past.
Workplaces, just like families and friends. are rethinking how they gather. It’s not about not celebrating. It’s about celebrating differently.
The power of coming together
Psychologists have long talked about the importance of social connection. It’s linked to lower stress, better mental health, and stronger communities. Celebrating, whether it’s a milestone or just making it through a long week, gives us a moment to pause, gather, and feel human together. At a party, people relax, they connect and relationships are built and strengthened.
It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to happen.
Celebration doesn’t have to mean a party with a capital ‘P’
Somewhere along the line, we started believing a “proper” celebration means a full-scale event. But the truth is the most memorable moments are often the simplest ones.
- A small picnic with a couple of friends.
- Cosy drinks at home with fairy lights.
- A cake and some bunting for a birthday.
- A walk and a thermos of hot chocolate
These little rituals don’t just fill the calendar they fill us up. They’re what we carry with us.
Making joy easier to say “yes” to
Big events are wonderful, but small, spontaneous celebrations are often the ones that actually happen.
No elaborate plans. No huge budgets. Just the decision to say this matters, let’s mark it.
A tablecloth, a few balloons, a playlist, a shared laugh. That’s all it takes.
A gentle nudge to celebrate something…anything
So here’s a little challenge: this month, pick something small and celebrate it.
A friend’s new job. The change of season. A good week at work. Your child learning something new.
Host a mini gathering - even if it’s just two people and a bag of crisps. You don’t need a big reason. You just need to start.
Because gathering isn’t about extravagance. It’s about joy, connection, and choosing to make life feel a little more special. And that’s something worth celebrating.