The Day After

What are your favorite memories of December 27th or January 3rd? My guess is you’re struggling to come up with any. As the memories of our favorite holidays fade, so too does the change in attitude and action they bring about.

It’s no longer Christmas; do you stop giving your spouse presents? What if gifts are one of their top love languages? You are then hurting your own cause by throwing away the practice as you turn the page on the calendar. Valentine’s Day has just passed—how long before your next love letter, card, or flowers? Your husband or wife doesn’t lose their need to feel loved. For some reason, we can lose our awareness that that hasn’t gone away. We’ve checked a box, done the responsible and expected thing, and are ready to move on to St. Patrick’s Day, or worse yet, April Fool’s Day.

If you are subscribing to this newsletter, it is an indication you are seeking information on how to be married well. You should maintain a holiday mindset year-round. My anniversary is May 3rd. I am thankful for my marriage every day. Do I celebrate my spouse several times a week? Why yes, I do.

You are in this for the long haul. You can’t spend that time running on the fumes of the last thoughtful holiday gesture. Refuel regularly. Occasionally splurge and get the premium, even though it is 40% more expensive. The person you married is well worth it. A weekend getaway, a dinner at a high-end restaurant, spending the money to go to a marriage enrichment event—these all communicate value. When they aren’t dictated by the calendar, it can transmit even more importance.

A world-class husband or wife can make any day feel like a holiday. Step up to the plate, take your swings—maybe you will hit one out of the park.