There’s something wonderfully unnecessary about a s’more.

You don’t eat one because you need it. You make one because you want the experience: the warmth of the fire, the marshmallow slowly turning golden, the chocolate beginning to melt, and that first gloriously messy bite.

And maybe that’s exactly why National S’mores Day deserves a little celebration.

In a world that constantly asks us to be productive, practical, and moving toward the next thing, small indulgences can become their own kind of ritual. They remind us that pleasure doesn’t always have to be earned, and that sometimes, a little sweetness can shift the energy of an entire day.

What Makes Something a Ritual?

When we hear the word ritual, it’s easy to imagine candles, crystals, elaborate routines, or carefully planned spiritual practices. But rituals can be much simpler than that.

A ritual is often just an ordinary action given a little more intention.

Your morning coffee can be a ritual when you sit quietly and enjoy it instead of drinking it while answering emails. Lighting a candle at the end of the workday can become a signal that it’s time to unwind. Taking five minutes outside at sunset can create a moment to reconnect with yourself.

And yes, roasting a marshmallow can count too.

The difference isn’t necessarily what you’re doing. It’s how present you are while doing it.

Small Indulgences Can Create Big Energy Shifts

Not every reset requires a weekend away, a perfectly curated self-care routine, or a major life change.

Sometimes you just need one small moment that feels good.

A favorite dessert. A long shower. Fresh flowers on the kitchen table. Ten minutes with a book. Sitting outside after dark. Playing the song you love a little louder than usual.

These moments may seem insignificant, but they interrupt the rush of everyday life. They create a tiny pocket of space where the goal isn’t productivity, it’s enjoyment.

That shift matters.

When you intentionally give yourself something comforting, beautiful, playful, or delicious, you’re practicing being present enough to actually receive it.

The Spiritual Side of Pleasure

Spirituality doesn’t have to be serious all the time.

Joy can be grounding. Pleasure can bring you into the present moment. Enjoyment can remind you that your life is happening right now, not after you finish everything on your to-do list.

Think about how quickly your attention changes when you encounter something genuinely pleasurable. You notice the warmth of the sun. The smell of something baking. The softness of your favorite blanket. The sound of someone you love laughing.

For a moment, you’re not somewhere else mentally.

You’re here.

That kind of presence is at the heart of many spiritual practices, and you don’t necessarily need a meditation cushion to find it.

Sometimes you just need a marshmallow and a fire.

Turn Your S’more Into a Tiny Ritual

This National S’mores Day, try making the experience a little more intentional.

Before you start, decide what you want the moment to represent.

Maybe you’ve been working hard and want to practice receiving without earning.

Maybe life has felt heavy and you want to invite more playfulness into your week.

Maybe you’ve been rushing through everything lately and simply want to slow down.

Then make your s’more slowly.

Notice the fire. Watch the marshmallow change. Smell the chocolate as it starts to melt. Put your phone down for a minute. Enjoy the ridiculous stickiness of it all.

You don’t need to turn the moment into something profound.

The point is simply to be there for it.

Find Your Own Version of Sweetness

Of course, your ritual doesn’t actually have to involve s’mores.

Ask yourself:

What feels like a small luxury to me right now?

Maybe it’s buying the good coffee instead of the practical one. Taking the scenic route home. Wearing your favorite perfume when you have nowhere to go. Ordering dessert. Sleeping an extra hour. Sitting under the stars. Saying no to plans because what you really want is a quiet night at home.

The answer will be different for everyone.

What matters is allowing yourself to notice what brings you genuine enjoyment, and occasionally choosing it without needing to justify why.

You’re Allowed to Enjoy the Sweet Parts

There will always be another task to finish, another goal to chase, and another reason to postpone pleasure until later.

National S’mores Day offers a much simpler invitation:

Make something sweet.

Slow down long enough to enjoy it.

And remember that sometimes the smallest rituals carry surprisingly big energy.

If you’re wondering what kind of energy you could use more of right now, an Everclear advisor can help you explore what you’re craving, what you’ve been denying yourself, and where a little more joy, softness, or intention might belong in your life.

Because sometimes feeding your spirit starts with something surprisingly simple.

And sometimes, it comes with melted chocolate.