When K and I were about to celebrate our 25th anniversary, The Oldest started making noises about giving us a party. I quickly put an end to that talk. We were in the middle stages of problems with The Youngest and considering how close we came to breaking up over the problems with The Oldest, I had very little hope we would be together at our 26th anniversary--I really didn't think we would weather the storm a second time. I couldn't see myself sitting around and smiling and pretending everything was hunky dory, so I said 'Nyet' to a party. Now, so many years later, I wish we would have had the party.
Despite what people think, I believe a 25th anniversary party is less about the enduring love a couple has for each other and much, much more about the gifts they might get. It is just like getting married all over again--and everything that is given is needed just as much after 25 years as it was when the couple was just starting out. Think about it, after that many years, things are wearing out--all of the linens and small appliances need replacing, so a party with gift-giving is called for. Okay, a lot of the stuff HAS been replaced during the 25 years, but, more likely than not, with the cheapest stuff that could be gotten away with. Those 25 years are when the family is growing and the money is very, very tight--not much is left over for expensive towels and blenders and sheets and toasters. So, bring on the party and bring on the gifts! By my being so stubborn and pessimistic, we missed out on all that.
So, when do we get a second chance on a big, blowout party? At the 50 year mark. I really don't think we'll be needing any new linens and appliances at that time. Hopefully, we won't be needing gripper railings for the shower and walkers. ;) Unfortunately, I think there will probably be an overabundance of these types of gifts:
There isn't anything really WRONG with these gifts, but just how many 50th anniversary tchotchkes does anyone need?
