Honestly; will I suffer a lot of health risks in the long run if I smoke a pack or two of cigarettes a year?

Its extremely unlikely that smoking at that rate will cause you long term problems. However, an open pack of cigarette does get stale. They aren't going to taste very good in a couple of weeks. So I wouldn't buy a pack if that's all you want it for. Also, every smoker started the way you're describing, buying your own pack is the first step on a slippery slope.