How Time Flies: A Guide to Celebrating Your Anniversaries
From Life As Mr. & Mrs. on ColinCowieWeddings.com
Give the old cliché about a spouse forgetting the wedding anniversary a rest. With iPads, smart phones, software calendar programs and even Facebook, there is no excuse for letting the anniversary of your wedding date slip your mind.
Besides, celebrating your anniversary can also be a great way to rev up your chemistry, as well as a superb reason to splurge on the one you love.
BE IMAGINATIVE
Sure, it is all too easy to let an anniversary become rote. The husband brings home a corner-store bouquet. The wife gives him the putter he wanted. They go out to dinner. There's nothing wrong with that--except the event becomes automatic and therefore less special. Instead, honor your marriage in a creative way. Has he talked about taking Italian lessons? Has she wished for a cooking course? Your objective should be to make your spouse's wish come true on your anniversary.
OR SKIP THE GIFT
Like your wedding, the perfect anniversary is about ritual, not just presents. Perhaps both of you agree that your lives are full enough, and gifts aren't necessary. Instead, celebrate your anniversary in a way that will fan the flames that ignited your love before you tied the knot.
It could be as simple as hiring a local chef to come to your home and cook a romantic meal for two--make it even fancier and use all the silver and crystal you registered for when you got married. Or escape for the weekend to a local inn on the beach with luxurious spa facilities.
SPEAK YOUR MIND
The important thing is that, no matter how you celebrate, you take the time to tell your spouse how much the past year has meant to you and how happy you are to be spending your life with him or her. As with anything in life, the more effort you put in, the greater benefits and enjoyment you will reap.
Consider writing it down in a love letter, if you like, and placing it on her pillow. A well-written love note is worth much more than a last-minute gift. The gift of tender, loving communication will come back to you tenfold. Seriously.
ANNIVERSARY CHEAT SHEET
There are long-standing traditions for anniversary gifts that some couples like to observe, but others choose to ignore. Consider them optional, but perhaps a jumping off point for endless possibilities.
1st paper
2nd cotton
3rd leather
4th linen, silk
5th wood
6th iron
7th wool, copper or brass
8th bronze or electrical appliances
9th pottery or china
10th tin or aluminum
11th steel
12th silk, linen
13th lace
14th ivory or agate
15th crystal or glass
20th china
25th silver
30th pearls
40th rubies or garnets
45th sapphires or tourmalines
50th gold
55th emeralds or turquoise
60th diamonds or gold
75th diamonds or gold
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