Tips for a Graduation Celebration at Home

Graduation ceremonies around the country continue to be canceled again this year. Though the official celebrations are off, you can still create your own celebration at home to mark the occasion. Check out these helpful tips from Ashworth College to get the party started.

How can I celebrate at home?

While a graduation ceremony is the favored way to mark the completion of your academic accomplishments, it’s not the only way. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have had to create unique ways to celebrate all sorts of occasions at home in less-than-traditional ways. Graduation celebrations have been no different, and there are many fun, unique ways to make sure the occasion gets recognized.

• Host your own party! Many places are experiencing loosened social restrictions and with warmer weather and vaccine distribution well under way, it’s feasible to host a small to mid-sized gathering, especially if it’s outdoors. Get creative by staging a DIY ceremony complete with cap, gown, and music. You can even have someone special in your life hand you your diploma or deliver a speech. This adds a personalized touch which can make the occasion even more meaningful. You can also take this opportunity to deliver a graduation speech that thanks everyone who helped you make it through your studies.
• Decorate. Decorating can easily get you into the celebratory spirit. Use balloons, garlands, and streamers to set the mood, and if you decide to have a party, decorate the tables in graduation-themed tablecloths and partyware. You can take it a step further by decorating your yard with signs to let passersby know you’ve earned your diploma.
• Plan a dinner out. If you’re not one for a larger celebration, planning a nice dinner out is also another way to mark your accomplishment. You can include close friends or keep it simple with immediate family. Either way, it’s a nice way to enjoy one another’s company, reflecting on how proud you feel, with little work involved to set it up
• Host a virtual graduation party. If in-person get-togethers aren’t possible, use a visual chat service like Zoom or FaceTime to host a virtual party. Utilize fun graduation-themed backgrounds or create your own and be sure to wear your cap and gown.
• Take photos. Graduation ceremonies are usually filled with picture-taking and you should keep up the tradition even if you’re celebrating at home. Dress up and take photos with your diploma, not forgetting to include the special people in your life that helped you throughout this journey. Share them on social media so others near and far can take note of pride and don’t forget to tag Ashworth College!

Making a big fuss isn’t for everyone, though, so if you don’t feel like decorating, hosting guests, or organizing groups, it’s ok, but you should still take the time to do something special for yourself. Graduating is a big deal and you deserve a reward for your hard work and perseverance. Treat yourself to something you’ve been thinking about buying, treat yourself to some “me” time and book a trip to the salon, a fitness class, or anything else you’ve wanted to do but didn’t have the time for when studying.

Why you should celebrate yourself

The idea of celebrating your graduation without a formal ceremony might not have crossed your mind or might not have seemed important if it did, but marking your accomplishments is important. Doing so can instill a sense of pride which can improve your mental health. These positive feelings will remain, helping you in the future by offering encouragement when you take on your next challenge or goal.

It’s also important to remember that the celebration isn’t just about you, either. Friends and family alike want to let you know they’re proud of you for overcoming obstacles and persisted through your studies. They’ve also served as a support system, encouraging you and lending help throughout your journey, making this a moment for them, too. Be sure to embrace the moment and show them your appreciation for their support.

Get started planning your celebration, but be sure to remember to sign the virtual yearbook so you can remember your Ashworth College experience.