This post is part of a series based on ‘Made to Stick’ by Chip and Dan Heath. While the Heath brothers write for a business audience, I feel that the principles in ‘Made to Stick’ can help us as we design stronger and more ‘Sticky’ families
A couple of years back, I decided that Christi and I would celebrate our anniversary with a picnic in the park and finger foods. We didn’t have money for a baby sitter, so the kids were going to be part of the event.
On our anniversary, I took the kids to the grocery store to grab the sandwich meats, veggies, dips, and crackers. They peppered me with questions and I explained why the day was so special. When we got home, I put together the snacks and they watched.
Fortunately, it rained. Instead of canceling the event, I decided we would have our picnic on Mommy and Daddy’s bed. (We never allow the kids to eat in bed.) I made the bed, spread out the picnic blanket and the treats. I also ordered Nanny McPhee on OnDemand. We ate, laughed, and talked the whole time.
That day was one of the best anniversaries we’ve had since we became parents. Today, I stopped and thought about why it was a great memory we all remember.
It was counter-intuitive.
In our house, we aren’t supposed to eat in bed. My kids also know that you have picnics outside, not inside. Rain forced us to turn those hard-and-fast rules on their head and create a counter-intuitive moment. More importantly, it was a memorable moment.
It was a surprise.
My kids didn’t know that we were going to have a party. Consequently, all the preparations leading up to the picnic were a total surprise. They had no idea what to expect. Consequently, they didn’t have any preconceived notions about how an anniversary was supposed to be celebrated. (And they still don’t, because we do something different every year!)
It created interest.
Up to that point, my kids had no understanding of what an anniversary was. All the preparations allowed them to ask questions. The event created interest in a topic – marriage – that they hadn’t considered.
It created curiosity.
My kids had no idea what to expect. Every step of the preparations made them more curious about marriage, anniversaries, and why they were events worthy of celebration. They couldn’t wait to see the product of all this preparation. They were completely engaged in the whole day.
For the Holidays
I know that we usually think of traditions during the holidays. What would happen if we introduced something simple and unexpected this holiday? Maybe we have breakfast in bed on the 23rd. Maybe we set up a tent in front of the TV in the living room and watch Christmas movies together, through the front door of the tent.
Whatever you do, do something unexpected and create a new memory.
