MONDAY LOVE – A Special Anniversary Gift
As my 36th wedding anniversary approached, I tried to think of something that would celebrate our marriage in a way that flowers and dinner out just didn’t capture. Don’t get me wrong – flowers and special dining are always welcome. But after the first 10 or 30 years, sometimes they say “obligation” instead of “celebration.” I wanted to say: “I have loved you for years and will love you for years to come” in a way that wouldn’t be eaten in an hour or die within a week. So here it is and how to do it: Monday Love – the Special Anniversary Gift.
Type or write out 52 statements on colorful paper. Statements that let your mate know how special they are. It can be a compliment, an affirmation, a fun thought, a smile-making memory. Mix it up a bit. One might say: “Your green eyes are my favorite color.” Another: “I still smile when I think of how much fun we had the day you surprised me with that goofy bean bag chair.” And still another: “I don’t know how I could deal with my crazy family without your support.” Those of you who took the recent 30-Day Gratitude Challenge have a head-start on the brainstorming!
Simply put your statements in the container of your choice. Whether you decorate a jar, buy a special themed box, or use your mate’s favorite pottery piece, the presentation can be as creative or straightforward as you want it to be. Married to a golfer? Maybe you want to tape each note to a golf ball and put all the balls in a big chest. Your spouse have a sweet tooth? You might tape each note to a miniature chocolate bar and present them in a decorative tin.
The special package is presented at the appropriate time with a card or note explaining that you are gifting a year of love. Each Monday they pull from the container for an expression of your appreciation that will take them through the week.
This special gift is wonderfully versatile. The time period can be adjusted to celebrate in your own way. Maybe a month of love with a daily note. If Monday isn’t the day of the week you want to highlight, maybe your gift is called “Friday Fun.” It works great for any gift-giving occasion from birthdays, to holidays, to that Hallmark-Card-defying-no-occasion-gift. Does it get more personal than this? What a wonderful way to let your mate know that their kind of special is way bigger than a given day on the calendar.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HUZ!
Have an idea for a variation on Monday Love – the Special Anniversary Gift? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.
Once Again, Congratulations on a marriage to be envied! Cindy
Great idea. I’m thinking about it for Christmas, but if not then, our anniversary is in February.
You’ll catch up to us at 36 years in Feb. Another ’70s bride – no wonder we seem in sync!
I would love a gift like this one. It warms my heart to just think of it.
If I got to pick the version I’d receive, it would be the one with the chocolate!
Love the post. Many years ago my best friend from high school was moving to NY and so I took the bottle if wine we last shared commemorated the date on label and signed. I rolled up little trips of paper with a special memory of ours on each. I added a comment on bottle that said “If lonely, share a memory with me.
What a neat idea, Shoshana – I bet she loved it! Hmmm, thinking of the possibilities for my best bud who is across the country from me . . . .
great idea…
Thanks, Lin – I appreciate you stopping by!
What a great idea, Shel. Why do we tend to be more stingy with heartfelt gifts for spouses than for our kids?
I was raised by parents who were married nine years before having kids and their attitude was they started out alone together and would be ending up alone together, so that relationship was well-protected. Heaven help the kid that tried the whole divide and conquer technique on them. I can tell you with certainty none of us tried it more than once!
Happy Anniversary, Shel! Reading posts such as this, I’m not surprised your marriage has lasted so long!
Thanks, Dee Dee – from one long-timer to another!
FABULOUS idea, Shel! My brains are already churning on how I’m going to adapt this to us…Hugs
Knowing you, it will be a wonderfully creative interpretation!
What a wonderful and thoughtful idea, Shel. Your husband is a lucky man and no doubt, you’re pretty lucky too! As I’ve mentioned before, if everyone followed your advice when it comes to a healthy and happy marriage, you would be out of business! Happy Anniversary!
I really am the lucky one, Jill! While my spouse and I both miss being closer to family, we agree that having to move across the country from everyone we knew early in our marriage forced us to rely on each other and develop a marital independence that probably wouldn’t have otherwise existed. As you can imagine, it hasn’t all been roses – but I much prefer carnations anyway!
What a fabulous idea! Thanks, Shel. 🙂
(My 25th will be here before you know it. So this tip is especially appreciated!)
Really? Year 25 is on the horizon?? Based on your looks, you must have gotten married when you were 10!
Another great idea. I took the 30 day gratitude challenge which just happened to be the 30 days before my 34th wedding anniversary. I dated and typed each gratitude, made a little book and titled it “After 34 years I am still grateful for . . .” He absolutely loved it. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.
What a great way to package your gift of gratitude, Vickey – love that idea!
I just really wanted to tell you how wonderful I think you are. Your blog is so positive and such a great tool to support marriage, an institution that doesn’t get a lot of nurturing these days. Thanks for putting it out there! You are fabulous!
Thank you for your kind words, Amy! I’m with you – more nurture, less nettle!