How to Celebrate a Divorce Anniversary

Every year on the anniversary of their wedding, the happily married (or those who would like to appear so) have some sort of celebration to mark the occasion. But what about the happily divorced? Divorce is supposed to be a sad occasion, one that neither party involved really wants to remember, but the truth of the matter is that there are many, many people out there who are nothing short of thrilled to be divorced. If you are one of the many people for whom divorce represents freedom, why not celebrate your wonderful new life by throwing a "divorce-anniversary" party?

Decide on a date to mark the occasion. It can be the actual date that your divorce became final, but if you prefer to mark the day you first separated or the day you last saw your ex, then go ahead and party on that day instead. The wonderful thing about a divorce party is that it's all about you--no need for consensus, as who cares what your ex thinks?

Invite friends and family members to mark the occasion with you. If you like, you can send out invitations made by xeroxing the relevant part of your divorce decree--the part that declares your marriage dissolved.

Decorate for your divorce anniversary party with lots of pictures of you enjoying your wonderful new life. You can also include memorabilia to mark any new hobbies or interests you've taken up since your release from couplehood, or any old passions you've returned to.

Make a mixed tape of music that you like, particularly if it's music that your ex hated. You can also go with a theme, using classics like "I Will Survive," "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," and even "Goodbye Earl."

Play a few divorce-themed games like "Pin the Horns on the Ex" or "Queen/King for a Day." This last-named game involves swapping stories about rotten exes (whether or not they were actual marital partners), and whoever wins gets to wear a rhinestone tiara--or, for men, some other manly hat of choice like a ball cap with a snarky slogan about an ex-wife.

Break out the champagne--it's not just for toasting couples and should be reclaimed as the official beverage of celebrating singles as well. If you do not care for it, feel free to serve beer, wine, margaritas or anything else you and your friends like, particularly if it wasn't a favorite with your ex.

Serve lots of unhealthy fried foods and chocolate desserts or shrimp cocktail and caviar. Whatever speaks of self-indulgence to you, that is what you should have at your party. Celebrate your freedom to eat what you like, without having to impress, placate or accommodate anyone else.