4 Easy Ways to Celebrate National Marriage Week
By LaCharla
Marriage is great. But you already know that don’t you? Do you know it’s good for the country, too? Along with other benefits, marriage tends to reduce poverty for children, and it gives them a better chance of economic and social stability as adults.
So It’s Worth Celebrating, Right?
Part of Marriage Week International, National Marriage Week USA is February 7-14 every year, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate. National Marriage week is “a collaborative campaign to strengthen individual marriages, reduce the divorce rate, and build a stronger marriage culture.”
Out of the Rut
Life can be crazy busy these days, especially when you both work outside the home and you’re raising children. So one way to celebrate National Marriage Week is to just slow down.
Slow down; really see one another, and remind yourselves why you married your big stud muffin or your pin-up girl in the first place. (OK, my analogies are old and dumb, but you know what I mean.)
You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to celebrate, either. Just do something to remind yourselves how special your life together can be. And why not gather a few couples and celebrate together? We can all use a supportive community.
A Few Simple Ideas
Here are 4 easy, inexpensive ways you can celebrate with very little planning:
#1: Couples’ Meet-Up
Invite a few couples to meet at the same time at a local restaurant, bowling alley, skating rink, batting cage, or any other place people like to hang out. It’s quick and simple, and each couple pays their own tab.
One tip, though. If you choose a restaurant meet-up, try a buffet. This way, you can reserve a room for free, you won’t have to wait for the late-comers to place your order, and you won’t have the hassle of splitting the check! The point is to keep it simple–relax, enjoy your spouse, and strengthen your ties to other couples.
#2: Dessert Social
I admit, my sweet tooth prompted this idea. (I know, I know. I’m workin’ on it.) But it’s also quick and easy. Invite a few couples to bring their favorite desserts to your house. Lay out bite-sized dessert servings with a little festive flair, have 1 or 2 fun games ready, and just enjoy a relaxing evening together.
#3: Dinner and a Movie
Similar to the first 2 ideas, you can invite a few couples to your home for a covered-dish dinner and a DVD, or meet at a restaurant and then head to a local theater.
For example, a few years ago, a few married couples at our church converged on a local theater to see the movie Fireproof together. We had a great time, even though we only spent a few minutes socializing together after the movie.
I especially like the at-home idea, because my hunny and I like hosting. Also, this way, the group can choose the movie they want to see, or even watch two films. Plus, the group’s reaction can make a funny movie even funnier. (Ask me about our Galaxy Quest movie night sometime! )
Laughter is not only fun but it’s good for us. It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate simple, happy moments. And finally…
#4: Kid’s Day
Yes, you read it right: Kid’s Day.
Years ago, I decided to give some friends a bit of “couple time.” So I had Kid’s Day at my house. They dropped off their kids for a few hours on a Saturday so they could have the day to themselves.
We all had an early lunch, and after one of the kids shooed the parents off, the kids and I baked cookies from scratch. Even the little ones helped. Then, we baked and painted Christmas tree ornaments. We had a great time!
And parents got an afternoon off.
So ask a few people in your circle to get together and have Kid’s Day for you and 1 or 2 other couples. Even if you only get 4 free hours, take it and enjoy it on purpose. No thinking about chores, or work, or what happens after the children come home.
Marriage is a living thing; so we have to nourish it. And that takes time.
That’s A Wrap
I hope you see an idea here that you and your spouse might enjoy. Or maybe these ideas will jump-start your creativity. I encourage you to use National Marriage Week to start building a small support group if you don’t have one already.
Challenges will come. You know that. So let’s use every tool we can to build the loving lifelong marriages we all want.
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