Vacation Packages Always Work

Surrounded by family, friends and with yuletide cheer aplenty, several handfuls of lucky couples across America have the distinction of tying the knot on Christmas. This means couples celebrate the birth of Jesus, the merging of two hearts and the many blessings that have reached fruition throughout the year - all at once. Mass media creates an environment where shoppers can anticipate killer deals for children (big and small) after engulfing Thanksgiving dinner, but what about those celebrating their anniversaries on Christmas? Not much in that department.

Ornamental Nostalgia?

To help buyers on a mission find great anniversary ideas, we prepared this list of goodies to consider.

Jewelry Is Cool, But...

Couples will eventually seek some much needed 'me' time. Retired couples can vacation during the winter time (or essentially anytime), so vacation packages would essentially be a slam-dunk here. If you're entertaining a weekend or full-week excursion, I would suggest booking the retreat far in advance to allow younger whippersnappers the opportunity to request vacation time. Besides, you tend to save money when reserving well in advance and, after 60 years together, couples are ready for someplace new - at least for a weekend.

Yes, anniversary ornaments have already been thought of. By many, in fact. Still, you cannot deny the way current technology affords the opportunity for individuals near and far to customize ornaments right down to the style of crystal (or glass) that is used. Each year, create an ornament depicting something great your recipients accomplished or even something 'catchy' that was said. This creates memories which cannot be replaced yet can easily be showcased each Christmas thereafter.

Couples Therapy (The Good Kind)

I spend loads of time throughout the year looking for anniversary gifts for friends that fall outside the holiday parameters. After reading an intense, very thorough account of various anniversary ideas titled From Year 1 to 100, I was inspired to expand on their heavy concentration of jewelry. See, Jared and Kay have charms you could purchase, while other jewelry stores have the ability to create customized pieces engraved with names and dates. As I'm a proponent of creativity, I say phooey to both.

Musical Picture Discs

If you go the jewelry route for your parents' 50 ^th anniversary, I would definitely suggest having their grandkids (you know, the ones currently bunked in your home) play a major role in the design. After all, grandparents do spoil 364 days a year; why not make their jewelry a collective 'thank you' for being there for everyone?

There is no true 'secret' to offer shoppers when brainstorming the perfect gift for a Christmasversary. Keep the big box stores tuned out, your creativity tuned in, and always make the day about the loving friends, family or parents celebrating such an intriguing day on earth. Leverage the internet for what it is - a vast superhighway that, when navigated correctly, will lead you to the mecca of gift giving awesomeness.

This idea presents a two-prong approach. Bring stressed out marriages back down to earth by offering newlyweds (or silver surfers) a day of massage therapy, sponge bathing and relaxation without disruption. Or bring awareness to couples 'on the rocks' by offering to pay for a retreat that involves deeper therapy. Hey, I know what you're thinking - who would purchase couples therapy as anniversary Christmas presents and expect not to get slapped (or booed)? Sometimes helping couples realize what they cannot see is the best present one could offer. Of course, you'll want to throw in a massage to make the day halfway enjoyable.

In the eyes and hearts of our elders, watching children go from Kool-Aid stains to parenthood is priceless. What if life's events were put into a slideshow then played to a musical compilation of your parents' favorite love ballads? You could include their life progression, the entire family's growth or essentially take this idea in any direction imaginable. Picture DVD's with music added aren't too difficult to make, although you could find some freelance professional to handle the task for a decent price.