Celebrate Everything!

My husband and I bought some small acreage for which we had big plans. We wanted to pay off the loan on the property quickly, so we could implement those plans without encumbrance on the land. To that end, we made an agreement: No presents. We agreed to cards only for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, our anniversary and any other special occasion for one year. If we did that, we could make at least two extra payments on our little farm.

DON’T EVER DO THAT!

Gifts are a great vehicle for making someone feel special and for reminding ourselves that someone is special to us. By not giving presents, we’d severed a powerful statement that we think of each other and endeavor to please each other, to make each other feel loved and special.

Birthdays passed with barely a nod. We didn’t even acknowledge Valentine’s Day, and I think we actually fussed with each other on our anniversary – no flowers, no special dinner, no “I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.” No effort.

Anybody who’s married knows: Marriage is an effort!

It’s easy to fall in love, but staying in love demands a concerted effort. It’s a choice we make every day, not something that just happens on its own. Not making that effort – in the smallest of ways – can take the edge off of the romance that keeps a marriage active and thriving.

So, celebrate everything! Gifts don’t have to be grand or expensive. Set a spending limit if money is tight – the challenge makes it fun. Don’t allow anything – even good intentions – to get in the way of celebrating who you are together.