By Debra Skaggs
Once a year, married couples celebrate one of the most important days of their lives - their wedding day.
A gift, a quiet dinner at a romantic restaurant, a bouquet of flowers, a card, a weekend getaway or an embrace and simple peck on the cheek can all be traditions. Whatever the celebration choice, the main ingredient will be taking time out for each other and recognizing the value of their marriage.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publication 'True to the Faith' states:
'Those who are married should consider their union as their most cherished earthly relationship. A spouse is the only person other than the Lord whom we have been commanded to love with all our heart.'
Traditional gifts are a fun way to mark the passing of the years. Every year has its own gift idea, and a simple online search can provide extensive lists of suggestions.
Bridget and Kip Nelson were married last month in the Logan Temple and are now living in Provo. They have already celebrated an anniversary.
'I sent Bridget flowers on our two-week anniversary because she was sad she had to work,' Nelson said. 'I just wanted to cheer her up.'
For their first anniversary they plan to return to the temple to remind them of their marriage vows.
One Web site, happy-anniversary.com, specifically collects ideas and stories about anniversaries. Party planning, advice, gift ideas, hints for husbands and second honeymoon tips are some of the features.
One writer on the Web site shares her first anniversary experience of a surprise trip to Aruba.
'It was so perfect to get away from work and the rest of the world and just get that quality one-on-one time,' Alexandria Maliarakis writes. 'It is so important with the hustle and bustle of the world to find time to spend with that special someone in your life.'
Jennifer Rogers, a marriage and family therapist and BYU graduate, said important events are always celebrated annually to mark changes in the course of history. She said marriage and anniversaries rare reminders of important events in personal histories.
'It''s important to be celebratory to remind us that marriage is not just about hard work and sacrifice,' Rogers said. 'Anniversaries are about rejoicing, loving and recognizing that we are becoming something bigger than ourselves.'
Traditional Anniversary Gifts:
First Year: paper or plastic
Fifth Year: wood and silverware
10th Year: tin or aluminum
20th Year: china or platinum 30th Year: pearl
40th Year: ruby or garnet
50th Year: gold