Americans love to celebrate. Just consider the list of parties we’ve created to do just that: birthday parties, anniversary parties, baptism parties, first communion parties, bar mitzvah parties, Christmas parties, harvest parties, office parties, retirement parties, wedding and baby shower parties, and even housewarming parties. (And I’m sure you all could name a few more.)

But have you heard of divorce parties?

If just discussing divorce in public seemed taboo a few years ago, the growing trend of divorce celebrations is helping lessen the stigma surrounding the end of marriage.

“Yes, it’s sad and it’s painful, but it’s not failure,” says Christine Gallagher, the owner of Los Angeles event company The Divorce Party Planner and the author of a book by the same name. “It’s part of life, and yet it’s the only major event for which we have no ritual.

“A celebration communicates that divorce is OK–life-affirming, even.”

Divorced individuals like Cathryn Michon, 38, say such parties are a practical way for family and friends to support the newly-single individual. “If you split up, someone’s getting the blender and someone’s not,” she said. “My own celebration was a way for my friends to say, ‘We love you no matter what, and by the way, here are a few appliances you’re missing.’ Believe me, a toaster means a lot more when your heart’s broken than on your wedding day. Especially if you’re out thousands of dollars in legal fees.”

Thoughts?