Anniversary Celebration: Covid Style

"How do you want to celebrate our anniversary this year?" Chris asked me last week.

Saturday, July 11 was our 11th wedding anniversary. Typically, our anniversary is celebrated by going to a fancier restaurant, eating amazing food and having a very intentional conversation. It has been my favorite date every year.

Coronavirus has put a damper on many of our plans. I didn't want it to change our anniversary tradition, too. We talked about it all week, finally deciding that we would do take-out and eat after the boys were in bed so we could continue with our tradition of having that special conversation. And go on a family outing on Sunday morning.

First, I have to say that we've been on a paleo diet (attempting whole30) for 40 days. Our anniversary was our excuse to end the streak and so we went all out (don't worry, I'm back on it again)! We opened a bottle of wine that we got from Chris's parents. It was amazing. And I don't think that's because we hadn't had a drink in 40 days. Paradigm is one of our absolute favorites.

And then we ordered Italian food for dinner. Getting take-out after making three meals a day for 40 days in a row was an amazing gift in itself. Having it be food that I had restricted myself from was an absolute treat. It was delicious. Not pictured is the chocolate dessert we ordered. It was so rich, I couldn't even finish it!

And don't let those take out dishes disappoint you.  Not having to do dishes was part of our plan. It might not look pretty or fancy, but clean up was a breeze.

Dinner was a success, but it was the conversation and attention we gave each other that made our "date night" so special. Our anniversary dates are reserved for reflecting, dreaming, and making plans together. And this year, not even Coronavirus could take that away from us.

______ ______ ______ ______

Since the pandemic is requiring many of us to stay home, work from home and be with our partner much more than we are used to, I thought I would share how our conversation goes... perhaps you want/need to set aside a night to have an intentional conversation too.

There are three things we cover during our anniversary date (usually after our meal/catch up time)

1) Affirmation. We usually start by sharing things we've noticed and appreciate about our partner. Affirming decisions made or character traits tested in the past year. Or things like "Thank you for taking the boys to the park every Saturday so I can ______).

2) Reflecting on the year.  These could be events, trips, big moments or decisions that stand out to you. They could be favorite memories, new places you've been, or new things you've tried. Or they could be really hard moments you've lived through or changes you weren't ready for.

3) Dreaming of the future. What plans do you want to make for the coming year? What changes do you want to incorporate into your relationship? What's your dream and what do you need from your spouse to make that happen? Here is a great opportunity to set intentions for the following year -- for your marriage, career, and vacations and family life. 

Blessings.

"How do you want to celebrate our anniversary this year?" Chris asked me last week.

Saturday, July 11 was our 11th wedding anniversary. Typically, our anniversary is celebrated by going to a fancier restaurant, eating amazing food and having a very intentional conversation. It has been my favorite date every year.

Coronavirus has put a damper on many of our plans. I didn't want it to change our anniversary tradition, too. We talked about it all week, finally deciding that we would do take-out and eat after the boys were in bed so we could continue with our tradition of having that special conversation. And go on a family outing on Sunday morning.

First, I have to say that we've been on a paleo diet (attempting whole30) for 40 days. Our anniversary was our excuse to end the streak and so we went all out (don't worry, I'm back on it again)! We opened a bottle of wine that we got from Chris's parents. It was amazing. And I don't think that's because we hadn't had a drink in 40 days. Paradigm is one of our absolute favorites.

And then we ordered Italian food for dinner. Getting take-out after making three meals a day for 40 days in a row was an amazing gift in itself. Having it be food that I had restricted myself from was an absolute treat. It was delicious. Not pictured is the chocolate dessert we ordered. It was so rich, I couldn't even finish it!

And don't let those take out dishes disappoint you.  Not having to do dishes was part of our plan. It might not look pretty or fancy, but clean up was a breeze.

Dinner was a success, but it was the conversation and attention we gave each other that made our "date night" so special. Our anniversary dates are reserved for reflecting, dreaming, and making plans together. And this year, not even Coronavirus could take that away from us.

______ ______ ______ ______

Since the pandemic is requiring many of us to stay home, work from home and be with our partner much more than we are used to, I thought I would share how our conversation goes... perhaps you want/need to set aside a night to have an intentional conversation too.

There are three things we cover during our anniversary date (usually after our meal/catch up time)

1) Affirmation. We usually start by sharing things we've noticed and appreciate about our partner. Affirming decisions made or character traits tested in the past year. Or things like "Thank you for taking the boys to the park every Saturday so I can ______).

2) Reflecting on the year.  These could be events, trips, big moments or decisions that stand out to you. They could be favorite memories, new places you've been, or new things you've tried. Or they could be really hard moments you've lived through or changes you weren't ready for.

3) Dreaming of the future. What plans do you want to make for the coming year? What changes do you want to incorporate into your relationship? What's your dream and what do you need from your spouse to make that happen? Here is a great opportunity to set intentions for the following year -- for your marriage, career, and vacations and family life. 

Blessings.