The Importance of Celebrating Weekends

… And why it’s time to bring back the Friday feeling!

When you’re retired, it’s easy for the days to blur into one long, undifferentiated week. Monday feels like Thursday, and Sunday can sneak by without the joy or rest it used to promise. But here’s the thing: weekends still matter—maybe now more than ever.

In our working years, weekends were sacred. They signaled freedom, fun, and rest. Even if we were just catching up on errands or folding laundry during a Law & Order marathon, there was a rhythm to it—a shift in energy that helped us reset. But for many senior women, that rhythm has quietly slipped away.

So what happens when there’s no difference between Tuesday and Saturday? We can lose more than just track of time. Without that built-in pause or anticipation, life can start to feel flat. Structure gives meaning to our days—and celebrating the weekend brings structure.

Whether you live alone or with others, recognizing the weekend creates a sense of purpose and joy. It can be as simple as planning a phone date with a friend every Saturday morning, saving your favorite meal for Friday night, or making Sunday your “fresh flowers and a face mask” day. The activity doesn’t need to be grand—it just needs to feel special.

Here’s why it matters:

• It creates anticipation. Looking forward to something, even something small, boosts mood and motivation.

• It reinforces identity. You’re not just passing time—you’re choosing how to spend it.

• It breaks up monotony. Your week gets a beginning, middle, and end—giving you a sense of flow, not just float.

And maybe most importantly: it reminds us that joy doesn’t always have to be spontaneous—it can be scheduled.

So this weekend, try something just a little different. Light a candle with dinner. Watch an old favorite movie. Wear lipstick to brunch, even if brunch is toast in your own kitchen. Reclaim the weekend—not because you have to, but because you can.