Celebrating anything during COVID requires creativity and flexibility. Our anniversary this year evolved into not involving any trips, but it did take us outside our house, which is practically like a trip these days.
It was Jason’s turn to plan our anniversary activities. With so much uncertainty at present, I didn’t begrudge him the task. He made us a berries and cream cheese French toast casserole for breakfast, which we enjoyed on our patio. In the afternoon, we went on a hike along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the Bear Canyon Bridge and back, which was just over 3.5 miles. Jason picked this path because wildflowers were reported to be in bloom. They were. We encountered 16 or 17 different types of blossoms, some of them covering whole hillsides in sheaths of violet or blush.
Afterward, we went to dinner at The Charleston Draper, which had recently reopened to guests. We sat in their courtyard under towering trees and twinkle lights at least 10 feet away from anyone; it was conscientiously charming. This normal outing was sprinkled with oddities like masked employees and used dishes being treated like radioactive waste, but it was enlivening to be able to celebrate in a practically standard way even in that alternate universe.
We spent the evening around a firepit in our backyard roasting marshmallows and spotting falling stars. It was basically a scene from a quirky but warming rom-com.
Although not our usual celebration, we had a perfect day. After all, an anniversary is best spent with just two. Thanks, COVID for making togetherness inescapable.
COVID need not eradicate your own anniversary celebrations. Here are just a few ways you can commemorate your special day while maintaining social distance:
1. Lots of restaurants have created outdoor eating space. Make use of it.
2. Rent a cabin or condo in a remote location. You can get away from your house and still avoid people.
3. Enjoy al fresco dining in your own backyard.
4. Take in a drive-in movie. Many are playing old romantic favorites like Sleepless in Seattle and The Notebook.
5. Escape into nature on a hike or on a bike.
6. Take a hike and have a picnic on a deserted hillside.
7. Have a cookies and games night with homemade cookies and two-player games like Castles of Burgundy or Patchwork.
8. Prepare a delicious meal together using an online cooking class. Options include Gordon Ramsay’s Masterclass, America’s Test Kitchen, and cooking with the New York Times.