Let
Your Family Know
You Would Like a Party!
by
Christina Coruth
1. Tell your family that you want a celebration!
Don’t
assume that just because you are coming up on a “big”
anniversary, such as your 25th, your family will throw a party.
Often even the most caring, loving family members fail to realize
that it would be ever so nice if they found a way to acknowledge
the time you and your spouse have put into a marriage. I didn’t
express my desire for a celebration prior to my 25th wedding anniversary.
The day was not totally lost, however. My husband and I dined
on the finest cuisine McDonald’s had to offer.
2. If it is a special anniversary year, tell your family a year
in advance that you would enjoy a celebration!
Okay,
I’m referring to grown children when I say “your family.”
If your children are struggling financially, let them know that
you don’t expect a grand ball at the palace, but rather,
just a nice simple family gathering to honor the union that created
them and gave them life. It’s important that you let them
know that they are supposed to plan and carry out the celebration
plan – not you.
3. Mark your calendar in advance to remind yourself to remind
your family how much time they have left to plan the big day!
These steps do work. On my 29th wedding anniversary, I made it
a point to announce to my children that I expected a 30th wedding
anniversary celebration that would not repeat my 25th wedding
anniversary culinary extravaganza. My children were struggling
a bit at the time, so I told them it need not be expensive, just
heartfelt. I reminded them monthly lest they forget. They took
it well and the result was heartfelt.
My son and
his girlfriend brought dinner. They brought my husband his favorite
dinner from his favorite restaurant – barbecued ribs. They
brought me my favorite dinner of haddock and rice, which my son
prepared. My daughter had organized the present – a lovely
framed group portrait of herself, my grandson, my granddaughter,
my son and his girlfriend. I could barely see it through my tears
of joy. My grandchildren were especially proud of the fact that
they kept the secret of the portrait for many months. We were
all proud of them. The evening was topped off with good conversation
and lots of laughter. Whenever I look at the portrait, I smile
for the memory of my 30th wedding anniversary which I will always
cherish.
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