subject: Celebrating Milestone Birthdays With Your Spouse [print this page] I love birthdays--I always haveI love birthdays--I always have. I am the total stranger at the mall that overhears someone saying something about their upcoming birthday that bursts out, "Oh my gosh, happy BIRTHDAY!" Now that I am married, I make every effort to make my spouse's special day unforgettable. This year, he turned 25, and it was the best birthday to date.
The only trouble is that he is always tremendously difficult to surprise. But that doesn't mean I couldn't pull off a few tricks this year to make him feel loved as we celebrated his big day. If you need some help planning for your spouse's milestone birthday--or any birthday, for that matter--then listen up!
Try to budget in advance for a big event. Being able to pay for a getaway as a couple can help your beloved escape the stresses that automatically come with being at home--dirty dishes, laundry, calls from the office--you know what I mean.
You don't have to go far. One of my favorite cities in which to stay is just a forty minute drive from my house, so when my husband plans mini-vacations there, I am thrilled, and it doesn't require the intense planning that a full-blown escape would.
But if that is just not a possibility, then you need to consider some alternatives in your own neighborhood. One of the best things you can do is make reservations at his or her favorite restaurant.
My husband enjoys many foods, but of Mexican, Houston, TX can more than provide on this food he just adores. So I made it a priority this year to set up a family party at his favorite place for that fine, spicy cuisine. We had a blast!
Don't exclusively treat them in the evening, however. It's important to make them feel special throughout the day, so making their favorite breakfast foods is a good way to start the day off.
Let them decide if they want to open gifts at the beginning of the day while you're together in bed or if they want to wait until the evening when the family or friends are gathered. Or another option would be to split unwrapping times. They could open yours with you privately and others' gifts at the party or dinner.
Think about an event they would truly enjoy. Is one of their favorite bands playing at a local venue? Is there a comedy club nearby that they would find uproariously entertaining? It's okay to ask them what THEY would like to do if you aren't sure. Not everything has to be a surprise.
At the end of the day, make efforts to pamper them. A full-body massage is one of the best ways that I have learned to show my husband that I care, particularly on special occasions. That is sure to make the big day unforgettable.
