Celebrating Big Days: Here Are 4 Ways to Make Any Occasion Special! by Marge Jesberger

Does a friend or family member have a day approaching that needs to be celebrated? Here are some ways to make your loved ones feel special on their big days:

• Chair of Honor: When a friend had a milestone birthday, we took an inexpensive plastic chair and decorated it. We used colorful markers and glued fake flowers to it. Once it was completed, our guest sat in it and opened gifts and had her photo taken. It is a great idea for a bride-to-be, graduate or a new retiree. Be sure to use markers that can be used on plastic.

• Spread the Word: Rent a message board or make your own out of plywood and paint or print a digital message. Put it on your front lawn or office for everyone to see.

• Get Creative: When my son got married, each member of the wedding party was asked to bring along a portrait of the couple in their wedding attire. Some made collages, pen-and-ink drawings or cartoons depicting the newlyweds. Then we hung them in the reception hall. All the guests enjoyed this unique art gallery.

• Please Sign Here: When my mom turned 80 we circulated a petition. It read: "Anyone interested in wishing Mom a happy birthday, please sign here." Neighbors, co-workers, children, even the mailman signed. She was thrilled with all the pages of signatures we had collected.