Anniversaries! Celebrating can be inexpensive.
Today’s article marks my one year anniversary as a contributing Queercents writer. My business has grown and shifted dramatically, as has my writing style! Almost 50 articles under my belt and the ideas are still flowing.
Later this month my partner and I will celebrate our anniversary”we’ve been registered domestic partners for 4 years. My how time flies! I clearly remember the day. It was relaxed and casual, not to mention very representative of our love and relationship!
Anniversaries are my favorite reasons to celebrate. They are milestones that mark changes, growth and development. Celebrating doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
There are many options for those of us who’d prefer to save our cash. The most important part of the anniversary celebration is to mark the occasion in a special way. No need to break the bank. Here are some creative links and ideas.
Start with RomanceStuck. They offer a comprehensive list of ideas for each anniversary year. You’ll even find the traditional anniversary list of Ms. Etiquette herself, Emily Post.
Balloons aren’t just for kids! One of my favorite ideas involves helium balloons. Get a bunch of helium balloons. Or better yet, rent a helium tank and fill them yourself. You’ll get more balloons for your buck! Attach a long string to each balloon and then attach a slip of paper to each end. Write reasons why you love the person on each one. Fill the ceiling of your bedroom with the balloons for a fun and dramatic effect. As you wake up the next morning, balloons will start falling toward the ground. Your messages of love will float at your eye level while you lay in bed.
You can’t go wrong with romantic meals. From picnics to dinners at home, even a meal at your favorite restaurant. It’s been said the stomach is the path to the heart. Do what your love likes best. If that’s candles, handpicked flowers and a scrumptious home cooked meal, go for it!
In to technology? For the e-mail lovers in your life, fill their in box with e-greeting cards. Many have cute cartoons or play music. Check out free sites like EveryEcard or Card Vibes.
Ever consider making your own movie or video? We recorded a puppet show video for my nephew’s 1st birthday. He loved it and the video was priceless! Try recording a soliloquy of your love, a romantic sonnet, or customize a script of your own. You’ll be a shining star in the eye of your love with this one!
Speaking of stars, here’s an idea. Rent a telescope and head to a park, beach, or other romantic setting. Star gaze over a thermos of your favorite hot drink with a couple of blankets and dream your wildest dreams together.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my articles this past year! If you have topics you’d like me to write about please send an e-mail. I look forward to another year of articles and celebrating another anniversary with Queercents readers! In the meantime, share your romantic celebration ideas below!
Allison… congrats on your anniversary with your partner and on the milestone with Queercents! We have enjoyed your contribution this past year and have learned from it too. By the way, your fabulous Tax Series still brings us many new readers by ranking high in Google searches! Keep up the great writing!
As for anniversaries, it’s the everyday effort that allows us to hit those milestones:
“Happiness is not a point of arrival. Happiness is the way.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
HAppy Anniversary!
We are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary on the 27th this month.
Likely, we’ll just get take out and spend the evening with our kidlets. Not very romantic, but probably just about all we can handle this year what with the 2 month old, the 2 year old, the 5 year old and the 8 year old!
Congratulations and Thank You!
Thank you for two things; first for your contributions to this Blog and second for reminding us that the concept of an anniversary is important to some Queer Folk.
Here in Maryland (Baltimore City) we can not get married, civil unionized or register as domestic partners. However, my partner and I (together since 1998) celebrate our anniversary on December 26 – the day we first met. We save our change (coins) all year and splurge at a favorite restaurant. If the mood hits us, we go back to the bar where we met (shout out to the Baltimore Eagle)
Interesting – We have some Queer friends who think this is silly and feel it is very “hetero” of us to celebrate an anniversary while other friends and family adore the idea. However, it is not about what others think, or what you spend but what it means to us.
Cheers, John