It wasn’t Christmas. It wasn’t a birthday. It wasn’t even a designated holiday. It was a Tuesday evening and our grandson Mac had a piece of artwork chosen to be shown at a school district-wide art show. He was among about thirty first graders from his elementary school picked to share their mixed-media art with the community.

Of course, all the grades were represented from Mac’s school, as were all the grades from all the schools in the district. All total, there were hundreds of wonderful, clever creations hanging on the walls of the Education Center where the show was held. Everything one could imagine was used in the making of all that art – from paper to yarn to melted crayons to cardboard to photos to glitter to papier mache.

Every inch of wall space was covered with colorful, thoughtful pieces, each telling their own story. Which meant hundreds of kids with siblings, parents and grandparents in tow, searching for that one special expression of his/her own self. Let me tell you, it was crowded!

But we were there for Mac. “We” being his parents and both sets of grandparents. His drawing was at the end of many turns and a labyrinth of hallways but no less crowded area.

Once found, the piece and the boy were photographed at length – at the right of, on the left of, pointing to, kneeling beneath, smiling, looking serious, with parents and without.

Mac explained to each of us in detail the meaning and symbolism of all the parts of his artwork. It mostly had to do with Angry Birds and a king – huh? (You had to be there!) His enthusiasm and pride were so infectious and so fun to watch.

After the art show, which actually felt like a one-person showing despite the crowds, we decided to go out to eat. Artists and kids in general love food as part of a celebration. It doesn’t really matter what kind of food or where you go to eat it, the point is the enjoyment as a group.

As far as celebrations go, this one was perfect! So what makes a celebration, perfect or otherwise?

1) Any reason can be chosen.

2) It makes a child proud and happy.

3) It involves a family and loved ones.

4) Memories are made.

5) Lots of love, touching and laughter are shared.

6) Participants spend time together.

7) Good food can always be added to the event.