The Gift of Time

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About ten years ago, with the Christmas present countdown veering me right into Stressville, it suddenly became very clear that buying my husband more stuff was verging on insanity. I mean, really who needs more stuff?

Me: “Honey, are we crazy? Let’s stop giving each other Christmas presents and start giving each other dates.” (As any card-carrying Type A Female would have said)

Scott: Pause, another pause. “I’m in.”

And low and behold Monthly Date Night was born.

For the singles or the newly married out there who are still in the raptures of love, Date Night probably sounds, in short, lame or maybe even silly.
But for we long suffering marrieds, Date Night, is exciting.

Imagine making time for each other to go and do the stuff you did when you were, in fact, dating. Going for ice cream, a movie, or a romantic dinner?
Ever since that Christmas Epiphany Scott and I have been celebrating Date Night twice a month.

We take turns picking the date. We’ve been to burger places and non burger places like Canoe during Toronto’s Winterlicious. (Guess which one I picked)

We should become film critics, we’ve seen that many movies.

This year we are planning on seeing more live theater.

Sometimes it’s just ice cream at Ed’s and wandering around the Boardwalk in the Beach. Sometimes it’s a glass of wine and some cheese at Local 1794 and sometimes we plan a bigger date night and end up going to a Dude Ranch in Cranbrook BC. (that was about 12 date nights!) Or this year when we went to Scotland. 

And it’s been wonderful, because the dates really became more about reconnecting and falling in love again, than the actual movie or meal or the trip.

All we really have is time to share. Stuff never really makes you happy, but relationships and memories do.

I wished I’d come up with this years ago, although I wouldn’t have gotten that Shop Vac that he bought for me one Christmas, seriously, he bought me a Shop Vac.

Here’s to another year of Date Nights and new adventures.

Peace, love and fibre,

Mairlyn

 

12 thoughts on “The Gift of Time”

  1. donna woodhouse

    Mairlyn, what a wonderful idea. My hubby and I have been married more than 40 years. I’m quite sure he doesn’t want another shirt and I guarantee I don’t need all-season tires again (yup, a gift from him one Christmas!). Also, health issues abound. So, sharing more time together as “dates” sounds perfect. God bless, and have a jolly holiday date this season with your S.O.

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  3. Linda

    My husband and I used to do this each and every Saturday night when our 4 children were still young. I was a full time stay at home Mum who really worked at her job. That once a week getaway was a life saver for sure. On Tuesday the 28th of this month, it will be our 53rd wedding anniversary and I’m certain that finding the time for those weekly date nights was one of the things that helped keep our marriage working back in those crazy busy days!

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  4. Lorraine Murdoch

    I love having tea with my daughters every time I can get them both together. I love tea with my friends too. I search out different places in Ottawa that have afternoon teas. The Chateau Laurier is one of the best. You must try it next time you are in Ottawa. Hope you enjoyed your tea with your friends! Merry Christmas!

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