That gorgeous, insanely expensive candle that my aunt gave me as a gift? It’s glowing right now, in the middle of summer, because I love the way I can smell it when the breeze floats through the window and brings it the intoxicating scent to me. The sugar scrub, with all the good oils and citrus and vanilla from my sister-in-law? That was used up immediately. You see, I’ve started to realize, that our “sometime special” should be now. That saving things for a special occasion is really a misnomer, because each day we are given, each moment we are here with our feet planted firmly on the earth, is a miracle. It’s a gift. It is special. Coming home after a hard day at work? You deserve to use that fancy olive oil you got in Italy for dinner tonight, instead of saving it for company (not that they aren’t worthy of it, too). Here are a few reasons to use special occasion items now:

There are always more “special things” to enjoy. Things spoil, go out of style, or you just get sick of looking at them if they hang around too long. But your birthday, anniversary, Christmas, and gifts from friends? Those come around and bring you wonderful special surprises every so often. Enjoy using them as they come. Plus, if you don’t use the fancy French hand crème now, you can’t justify buying another tube when they go on sale.

Celebrate the little things. I work well for a carrot-dangled-on-a-stick. My favorite cashmere comfy socks at the end of a day full of meetings at work? Carrot. Knowing I get to write poetry in the new journal from a friend? Carrot. Celebrate that you washed all the dishes and pop a saltwater taffy that your friend brought back from a trip with abandon and joy. Celebrate that you are here, day in and day out, seeking beauty. Finding it.

Don’t just use items—savor them. Consider them an experience. The 3000-thread-count sheets you got for your wedding? Don’t just use those like the regular 200-thread count Target kind you can afford. Every time you use the fancy sheets, savor it. The fluffy monogrammed towels? Don’t leave them hanging on the rack, because eventually you’ll get sick of seeing them there and you’ll put them in the back of the closet. You might as well use them and think of your dear grandma who embroidered them every time.

Create the moment. Sometimes we wait and wait and think, “I’ll have the neighbor ladies over for a tea party someday.” Instead, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, try pulling out your grandmother’s sterling silver and your mother’s china and then go knock on a few doors. Sometimes, we have to create the space for a special moment to arrive, and wouldn’t you know it, it usually does.

Your happiness doesn’t depend on some future date. Your happiness, enjoyment, and joy? You deserve it right now.

So find your favorite dress in the back of the closet, and call up a friend. It’s time to go get appetizers at that fancy new restaurant. Crack open the tiny bottle of fancy pink champagne to celebrate … on a Wednesday night. Take it out on the porch, and celebrate with the stars. Because every day you are here, every clear summer night where you can see the stars? That’s reason enough for champagne.

Image via Un Amore Per Sempre