Friday, March 6, 2009
What is it with these freakin' birthday parties?
When did we become a society that is required to intensively celebrate the birthday of every freakin' kid, every freakin' year? When did parties start needing a theme other than "it's a freakin' birthday party"? How did we arrive at the expectation that the fathers of the invitees need to attend these extravaganzas? Who came up with the notion of supplying "gift bags" and paid entertainers at these gigs? How did this happen? How long will it last? Is it really unfair to my kids if I take a firm stance and buck this ridiculous trend?
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Right on. Here's a mother who hates gift bags, that fancy pencil which comes unsharpened and remains so, tiny toy or two, mini notebook who nobody ever writes anything on, a few stickers and a handful of candy. Another bag of junk on top of the crap already covering my daughter's desk, floor of her only closet, underside of her bed and all but two square feet of the floorspace in her room. No entertainers ever hired but Dad has had to perform magic tricks. Last two parties were thrown at our friends' farm, they did the cooking and cleaning - smiling while at it. We did the entertaining, with whatever props could be found around the house.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy these innocent years people. Our grandaughter celebrated her 16th birthday this year. Both she and her sister always have two parties. One for family and one for their friends. Being sixteen meant the sixteen year old was allowed to invite boys as well as girls this year. (to her Dad's total chagrin). In addition to the parties, her "gift" was to take the Amtrak with a friend (and Mom & Dad in tow) to Boston for a Bruins game. Of course they left early enough to go to Quincy Market for a little shopping and lunch at a famous restaurant. Total cost of Amtrak business class tickets, lunch, shopping and Bruins tickets for four......approx $500.00 give or take. I'd be willing to bet our daughter and her husband wish they were back to the "gift bag" days.
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