The Birthday Party Dilemma
Looks can be deceiving
Serophina will be turning four next month and I’m seriously thinking about skipping the whole kids party this year and here’s why. They’re a pain in the you-know-what.
For her first, second and third birthdays, I had a blast planning and throwing her parties. I would start my lists way ahead of time, researching online, finding the perfect themes, decorations, invitations, favors….etc. But after four years of throwing kids parties AND attending kids parties, I’ve realized that these parties are not very fun for the adults.
They usually just stand around acting like they’re having a good time, trying to block out the noise and chaos. You can only watch a group of kids go nuts over presents and piñatas so many times before you’re like, “ Man, this sucks.”
It’s ok to admit it, kids parties may have been fun the first couple years, but after year three, I’m done.
I’ve thought about a couple options as an alternative to the mind numbing party that would normally take place at our house in the afternoon.
I’d like to take Serophina’s little friends to a bouncy house in New Bern and let the staff there do all the work. The kids have plenty of room to play, then we all go into the party room to open presents and eat cake.
The problem with this option is that it’s expensive. I would be spending quite a bit more than if I just did a simple party at the house.
The second option is to have a family-only Birthday celebration. I’m most excited about this one! We would declare October 11 Serophina’s Day and fill it with all the fun and fabulous things that she loves: a carriage ride through downtown, ice cream at the General Store, a romp at the bouncy house… you get the idea. We would let her find her presents throughout the day in random places, so that there are fun surprises and treats at every turn.
My husband thinks we should go with the traditional party because she is a social butterfly and really, really loves her friends. She’s also old enough to cherish and enjoy the feeling of having everyone sing Happy Birthday to her while she blows out the candles on her cake.
I’m torn, I know she would enjoy both options, but which one is the best one?
Are you tired of going to kids birthday parties? Have you ever done something different for your kids’ birthdays?
