James loved to celebrate. And he was good at it. Over the course of making our film we were told often by people who knew him of how James made even every day occasions feel like celebrations. Perhaps it was part of his mantra, “It is more importantly to live poetically than to be a good poet.” But this propensity to love celebration, which we at the Big Joy Project share, is part of the reason we are devoting the next two months of our Big Joy Spark campaign to celebrations in all forms.
It’s James’ birthday month. He would have been 101– so we’re starting off with a birthday post. It’s the guaranteed once a year day dedicated to your celebration– if you so chose to do so at least. We want to know what do you do on your birthday?
Associate producer Aimée Cartier holds a poetry birthday party every year. She says, “I love poetry. And I don’t often take the time for it during other days of the year. So this is my day to enjoy it, fully.” Her formula? She has everyone bring over a bit of poetry to share. People read their bits aloud– or if they are too shy, they pass it on to someone else to read. Sometimes people write their own, other people bring their favorites.
She says the tradition started organically. “One year my friends spontaneously made up poems for me at my gathering. They sat me on the couch with a crown on my head and almost everyone performed. It was goofy, and spontaneous, and the best birthday party I ever had.” After that she was inspired to continue the tradition.
Another one of Cartier’s favorite birthday things to do is to get herself a card. “I love cards– so I always pick out one for myself. And I write myself a message on it. Something about the last year and where I want to go the next year.” She keeps them all too, so she can look back on them and reminisce.
“I figure you’re the only one who will ever be at every single one of your birthdays– so that’s an important place of honor.” She buys herself a birthday gift too. A tradition that started when she realized one day that she didn’t have to sit around and wait for others to fulfill her wishes. If she wanted something, she could get it for herself. “I’ll encourage my kids to do so as well when they’re older. You should be able to celebrate yourself however you wish on that special day.”
We want to know– do you have any traditions that you do every year on your own birthday? Or maybe you have a favorite birthday memory to share?
To join in the conversation use #bigjoyspark #celebratejoy.