tracyschruderblogspot

Category: Laughter

  • Laugh, Love, Laugh

    Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.

    By Tracy Scruder

    “A smile stretched widely across my face with the corners of my mouth dug deeply into my cheeks, when I read the daily prompt today. I relish the opportunity to invent a holiday that everyone should celebrate and explain why?”

    I’m laughing right now because this prompt brings to mind the Jerry Seinfeld episode where George’s dad created the a holiday called Fedtvus 😂. The episode was called “The Strike”. “The Strike”, was the 10th episode of Season 9 of Seinfeld, where Frank Costanza, who played George’s father, introduces the holiday Festivus.

    Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd and involves several unique traditions –

    • The Festivus Pole: An unadorned aluminum pole serves as an alternative to the Christmas tree.
    • The Airing of Grievances: During dinner, each person shares their grievances with others, highlighting ways they’ve been disappointed throughout the year.
    • Feats of Strength: The celebration concludes with a wrestling match between the head of the household and another member, typically George, to determine if the holiday can continue.

    Side note : The episode’s writer, Dan O’Keefe, based Festivus on a similar holiday his father created in the 1960s. While some aspects, like the aluminum pole, were invented for the show, others, such as the airing of grievances, were part of the real-life celebration.

    I will create a holiday called Laughalot Weekend

    Laugh-a-lot weekend is a 3-Day Celebration of Laughter and Togetherness. This holiday weekend will take place on the first Friday in February every year.

    Laughalot weekend

    Day 1: Friday – “Laughter Day”

    1. Outdoor Games:
      • Scavenger hunt with funny challenges
      • Water balloon toss with silly prizes
      • Lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or a giant slip ‘n slide
    2. Board Games:
      • Cards Against Humans or Cards Against Humanity
      • Jenga, Pictionary, or other party games
    3. Round Table Discussions:
      • “What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?”
      • “If you could be any cartoon character for a day, who would you choose and why?”
    😂✨😂

    Day 2: Saturday – “Sitcom Saturday”

    1. Sitcom Binge:
      • Choose a favorite show (e.g., Friends, The Office, Seinfeld) and have a marathon viewing session
      • Provide funny snacks and drinks
    2. Karaoke Contest:
      • Sing your favorite comedy songs or silly lyrics
      • Offer prizes for best performance, worst performance, and most entertaining
    3. Props:
      • Funny hats, wigs, and accessories
      • Inflatable guitars or microphone

    Day 3: Sunday – “Sunny Sunday”

    1. Outdoor Activities:
      • Host a comedy picnic or BBQ
      • Play outdoor games like capture the flag, tag, or frisbee golf
    2. Gratitude Circle:
      • Gather around the table and share things you’re grateful for
      • Discuss how laughter has positively impacted your life
    3. Props:
      • Funny sunglasses or oversized novelty glasses
      • Smiley face balloons or props

    Additional Props:

    • Joke books or comedy scripts
    • Funny masks or costumes
    • Silly string or whoopee cushions
    • Laughter-inducing games like “Would You Rather” or “Two Truths and a Lie.”

    Why Celebrate Laughalot Weekend?

    Laughter is indeed the best medicine! Laughalot Weekend is a chance to:

    • Relax and unwind: Take a break from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
    • Create memories: Share funny moments and make new memories with family and friends.
    • Boost mood: Laughter releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and overall well-being.
    • Foster connection: Laughing together brings people closer and strengthens relationships.
    • Spread love and positivity: Share laughter and joy with others, and watch it spread like wildfire!

    So, mark your calendars for Laughalot Weekend and get ready to LOL, giggle, and guffaw your way through a fun-filled three-day celebration!

    Let’s make Laughalot weekend a national holiday! It’s power will lighten the load on a heavily burdened society. Deep belly laughter is strongly encouraged 😂!

  • The Lost Art of Belly Laughter: Why We Need to Revive Face-to-Face Conversations

    Me and my baby sister 😂

    By Tracy Schruder

    In today’s digital age, we’re more connected than ever before. Or are we? Despite the ease of communication through social media, messaging apps, and video calls, something fundamental is missing: the joy of face-to-face conversation and shared laughter.

    As I reflected on this phenomenon, I realized that the absence of in-person interactions has left a void in our lives. We’re craving connection, community, and genuine relationships. It’s time to revive the art of face-to-face conversation and reclaim the benefits of shared laughter and social bonding.

    Me and my great nieces sharing a laugh

    The Power of Belly Laughter

    Belly laughter is more than just a pleasant experience; it has numerous physical and mental health benefits. When we laugh with others, our bodies release endorphins, which can:

    – Reduce stress and anxiety

    – Boost our immune system

    – Release tension and improve mood

    – Create a sense of belonging and connection

    Laughing Emoji

    The Decline of Face-to-Face Conversations

    The rise of digital communication has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions. We’re spending more time staring at screens and less time engaging with real people. This shift has resulted in:

    – Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation

    – Decreased empathy and deepened social divisions

    – Reduced attention span and deep thinking

    – A loss of nonverbal cues and emotional intelligence

    Reviving the Art of Face-to-Face Conversation

    It’s time to make a conscious effort to reconnect with others in person. Here are some ways to revive the art of face-to-face conversation:

    – Schedule regular coffee dates or walks with friends

    – Join a book club, sports team, or hobby group

    – Attend community events, concerts, or festivals

    – Make an effort to strike up conversations with strangers

    Conclusion

    In a world where digital communication dominates our lives, it’s essential to revive the art of face-to-face conversation. By doing so, we can reclaim the benefits of shared laughter, social bonding, and community building.

    So, let’s put down our devices, look each other in the eye, and share a good old-fashioned belly laugh. Our mental and emotional well-being depend on it.

    Share Your Thoughts

    What do you think about the decline of face-to-face conversations? How do you make an effort to connect with others in person? Share your stories and insights in the comments below.

    Let’s start a conversation and revive the art of face-to-face connection, one belly laugh at a time! 😂👥 😂 There’s something special about sharing a good belly laugh with someone in person. The energy, the vibrations, the facial expressions… it’s just not the same over text or messaging apps. 💬